Clippers trade towards the future

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Clippers were one of the biggest sellers at the NBA trade deadline. Los Angeles moved on from veteran players James Harden and Ivica Zubac.

At the NBA trade deadline, the Clippers made two huge trades with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers.

With the Cleveland trade, the Clippers sent James Harden to the Cavaliers. In return, Los Angeles received Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick.

The Clippers traded Ivica Zucab and Kobe Brown to the Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2026 first-round pick (1-4 and 10-30 protected), a 2029 first-round pick and a second-round pick.

Darius Garland fills the void

Darius Garland was a two-time all-star and a key contributor during his tenure with the Cavaliers. Garland spent his last four seasons as the number two option behind Donovan Mitchell. This is a role that can blend alongside star Kawhi Leonard in the Clippers system.

Similar to Harden’s playstyle, Garland is an effective scorer but a defensive liability. While Harden averages more points this season, Garland is the more efficient player. Garland shoots 45.1% as Harden shoots an inefficient 41.9% from the floor.

A more efficient scorer that requires fewer shots would be beneficial to the Clippers. Leonard can still generate most of the offensive possessions while Garland can be plugged in. Los Angeles still has their offensive identity even with Garland currently injured.

For the late season stretch, a player recovering from a toe sprain should be transitioned into the system. The Clippers aren’t in desperate need for Garland to return to the court right away. Especially with the other young scorer the Clippers brought in from Indiana.

Ben Mathurin is the prize

From the Clippers and Pacers package, the cornerstone piece for LA was Ben Mathurin. He was a good wing scorer and an integral piece for the Pacers 2025 finals run. While Indiana has plummeted to the bottom of the standings, Mathurin is still performing at a great level.

So far this season, Mathurin is averaging a career high in points, rebounds, and assists. Complement that production with a 37.2% from three-pointers, Mathurin is an offensive weapon that the Clippers could use.

As a premier three-point shooter, Mathruin adds an extra level of floor spacing to this team. For a team that ranks outside the top 15 in three pointers, perimeter shooting is desperately needed. Mathruin makes 2.1 threes per game, which would currently rank in the top three on the Clippers’ roster.

Although Mathruin can help with the perimeter, he can provide an extra boost in overall scoring. He can score as the second option and even as a third option when Garland suits up. Mathurin is the versatile scorer that is a flexible option for this offense.

At just 23 years old, Ben Mathruin has showcased his offensive prowess as an NBA player. Mathurin is currently a great complimentary piece and has the potential to be an all-star quality player. The Clippers not only secured a scoring wing for this season but a game changer for years to come.

Headed to a young direction

Both of these trades have something in common; the Clippers are looking to the future. Yet, Los Angeles brought in capable players to help the current roster compete for this season.

Instead of relying on 36-year-old Harden, Los Angeles went with the scoring guard that is a decade younger. When healthy, Garland is a proven all-star guard on playoff level teams. Garland is a second option that expands a longer competitive window for the Clippers.

This was also the absolute peak of Zubac’s trade value and got a good haul for the 28-year-old. Despite losing some size, the Clippers improved the perimeter with a young player with untapped potential. Along with a young wing, the Clippers managed to get draft capital as well.

Criticisms may rise about how the Clippers are tampering with the current roster, but these moves are for the long run. Los Angeles is no longer putting all their eggs in Leonard’s basket to stay healthy. The Clippers are maximizing their star now while also preparing for a foundation without Kawhi Leonard.