If the Oklahoma City Thunder did not own the LA Clippers’ 2026 first-round pick, the long-term injury to Bradley Beal would have optimistically changed the team’s approach. Unfortunately, the Clippers cannot piggyback on what is left on their roster and hope for the best, forcing the front office to outline a specific trade-deadline deal for a scorer who can get buckets.
The Clippers learned through Beal’s inefficient 8.2 points per game that they do not have the system for a ball-dominant talent to thrive in an off-ball role. So, they must only evaluate options with a lengthy, proven track record, but not so long that LA is just stacking another aging veteran onto their already overflowing list of names.
Lawrence Frank’s best bet by February may be a current resident of the city of Chicago, playing for the Windy City this season, which is the last of his three-year contract signed in 2023.
All of the LA Clippers’ eyes should be on Coby White at the trade deadline
Lawrence Frank’s February blueprint for the LA Clippers is to find a willing scorer like Bradley Beal so the replacement feels smooth and seamless, but also someone the front office will not have any strings attached to after this season.
Coby White’s contract with the Chicago Bulls expires in the summer of 2026. Although he recently made his debut following a calf injury, the former lottery pick’s production has gone up, even when his teammates were Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, two high-usage All-Stars.
Moreover, the Bulls just guaranteed Josh Giddey $100 million over four years. This was a reasonable commitment to Giddey, but White may expect more, and Chicago may deny.
Thus, the Clippers should acquire White and go wherever the wind takes them in the summer. If both sides can agree, the best option would be to keep the 25-year-old guard. However, if the UNC product was not shown a convincing, deep playoff run, the front office can comfortably let him walk, with many weeks in the offseason to let someone else take over.
Additionally, the Clippers can send the Bulls a second-round pick and Bogdan Bogdanovic to make matters even trade-wise.
That said, the Clippers’ plan is obvious, and White could be the offensive spark plug LA needs with Bradley Beal shut down for the season. This is the only way they will have a shot in the loaded Western Conference.