After trading away Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have more salary cap space and could be in for an active offseason.
The Los Angeles Clippers traded away Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks. Leonard was a member of the Clippers from 2019 to 2026, and after not being able to make a Finals appearance during his tenure, he is now reuniting with Toronto.
The Clippers have shifted directions as a franchise and have been garnering assets to build for the future. Los Angeles traded veteran players like Ivica Zubac and James Harden in exchange for younger players and draft compensation.
Trading Leonard was a big move, as it opened up their cap space, meaning they could be active in free agency.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes the Clippers could be a "power player" in free agency as they look to fill out their roster ahead of next season. The move also saves them money to bring back key pieces.
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that the Clippers re-signed Kobe Sanders to a four-year, $11.2 million deal. Sanders played 68 games as a rookie and averaged 7.3 points per game as a rookie last season.
Options for the Clippers
In terms of players, they could sign to upgrade their team; they have a variety of options. They could use a new frontcourt piece, and Mitchell Robinson could be in play for them, depending on how much they're willing to offer.
Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesRui Hachimura is an option for them as well, as he has yet to sign with anyone, and the Clippers could also choose to pursue LeBron James. James announced he is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after 8 seasons, in large part due to friction with the front office.
Hachimura and James are close by, as they were with the Lakers last season, and given the young roster the Clippers have put together, this could be an opportunity for them to get a lot of playing time and have success.
LeBron also has a good history with head coach Tyronn Lue, who he won a championship with in Cleveland in 2016.
The Clippers could also sign Moritz Wagner from the Magic. Wagner was a player who fell out of the rotation with Orlando in 2025-2026, but two seasons ago he was someone who as a pivotal piece off the bench. Wagner could add to the frontcourt as a reliable big man off the bench.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesLos Angeles has a lot of options on the market this free agency, and they could be looking to add multiple depth pieces as the summer progresses.
