The Los Angeles Clippers have not had the best start to the 2025-26 NBA season. With a 6-20 record, trade rumors have surrounded the Clippers. Analysts have suggested that it’s time for the team to move on from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
However, the Clippers aren’t planning on moving their star tandem anytime soon. Despite the struggles, LA has been committed to having them stay with the organization. Ashish Mathur of DallasHoopsJournal reported that the franchise has removed Leonard and Harden from the trade block. Mathur also included center Ivica Zubac as an untouchable player for the team.
“The Los Angeles Clippers are rejecting trade offers for Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac, NBA sources told DallasHoopsJournal,” Mathur reported. “The Clippers are 6-20. They are in 14th place in the Western Conference standings, but since their 2026 first-round pick goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the front office doesn’t want to blow up the roster, sources said. LAC still believes it can make a run for a play-in spot once forward Derrick Jones Jr. comes back from his knee injury, sources said.”
The Clippers have gone 1-9 over the last 10 games. On Thursday, they are scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions. The Thunder anchor the best defense in the league, and it could be a challenge for LA.
Ramona Shelburne reported that the Clippers want to be competitive with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden
Before the season started, Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers were expected to be a playoff team. However, it hasn’t looked like the team has been competitive in the first 26 games of the year. Their losing trend is gradually crushing their playoff hopes.
However, the Clippers are adamant about blowing their roster up. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that it looks like the team wants to make things work.
“I don’t get the sense that they’re (the Clippers) thinking about blowing it up. I think they want to get back to being as competitive as they can be,” Shelburne said.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have tried their best to give the Clippers a chance. Leonard has appeared in 16 games this year, while Harden has suited up for 25 games.
