With a strong insider-league network, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst used Instagram’s thread platform to run a question-and-answer session for the NBA community. A fan mentioned to Windhorst that Ivica Zubac had an ankle injury and ultimately asked how soon the LA Clippers would make a move. His response pertained to LA's preference in buying or selling.
The LA Clippers are still internally weighing whether to be buyers or sellers at the deadline, but “it will be one or the other,” with the team expected to firmly commit to one direction — a decision that could impact the NBA trade deadline landscape, per @WindhorstESPN. pic.twitter.com/0KBL3S3M4r
— APHoops (@APH00PS) December 26, 2025
In retrospect, a perfectly wrapped Christmas present was brought to Clipper Nation. It is almost January, and the trade deadline is February 5th. This implies that several roster moves could be made over roughly six weeks.
However, baby steps will be pivotal, and Lawrence Frank should progress through each transaction slowly but with urgency, one by one, rather than trying to speed up the roller coaster by buying and selling simultaneously. This strategy will reduce unnecessary complexity in the front office.
The Clippers should wisely choose to prioritize selling for better assets
Speculation has risen around interested teams in James Harden, yet the LA Clippers could simply overthink the process of trading the former MVP and end up keeping him. Where hesitancy would not occur is through their valuable role players.
Clipper Nation may expect LA’s top two-way role player, Derrick Jones Jr., to be shopped and dealt in the near future. The injury he faced likely did not even scratch the surface of his value, as he averaged 10.5 points and 2.4 rebounds, with a true-shooting percentage of 65.2%. Though he could return with restrictions, contenders know his worth.
On the contrary, the Clippers’ defense needs Jones Jr., as his presence is as essential as air, suggesting the team’s selling will center on other notable assets like Kris Dunn and John Collins.
Trying to go on a shopping spree with Dunn and Collins, who combine for nearly $32 million in salary this season, is pointless. Their value stems from various factors as high-end veterans.
Following the multi-step process of selling, the Clippers could still buy, if time permits. Though there will be space available, the players they target are on the list of unpredictables; everything could lead to a superstar or draft picks, the world will not know until the deadline is wrapped up.
That said, Brian Windhorst shared an ideal response for Clippers fans. Christmas is over, so the present will be late, yet something is better than nothing. At least now the fans are aware of the possible approaches Lawrence Frank has in mind.