As opening night slowly approaches, the LA Clippers will hold their team training camp and preseason basketball to help each player acclimate to a new environment. Additions such as Chris Paul, John Collins, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez are likely to experience a change of scenery and will need to adjust. At the same time, the returning rotational pieces must adapt to a stronger supporting cast.
This implies that a successful season could be ahead if the Clippers are fortunate enough to remain healthy and that the current roster is likely finalized until the 2026 trade deadline. Head coach Tyronn Lue will have months to experiment before meetings are held to determine who must be traded.
Furthermore, one of the only question marks following every move the Clippers have made thus far is Bogdan Bogdanović. He was excellent for Lue, but where does he fit with another scorer like Beal?
Many fans speculated about a trade for Bogdanović, and because of his combination of quality production and a friendly contract, the Clippers could have requested several wings around the NBA to add to their second unit.
However, the Clippers' plan for Bogdanović has become apparent, and it could turn into a disaster, as two guards were added this summer.
The LA Clippers' front office is playing the long game with Bogdan Bogdanović, and it could backfire by February of 2026
Unless a contender calls the LA Clippers willing to offer a package that cannot be turned down, Bogdan Bogdanović will make his debut for his ninth season, likely this October once the regular season schedule is released.
Lawrence Frank's strategy to maintain confidence in Bogdanović and help him thrive and uplift his value by the trade deadline is solid, given that teams will likely provide more in return for a shooting guard who can consistently and efficiently score double digits.
Moreover, Bradley Beal and Chris Paul were recently added to the guard rotation, increasing Bogdanović's likelihood to be open, which should help raise his stock. Conversely, in the same circumstances, if the Serbian Star disappoints, Lue will assign him to a reserve spot, meaning the Clippers could find themselves with an insufficient return for a top-tier role player.
That said, the front office is one hundred percent in the right for being optimistic Bogdanović will pan out next season, but because fewer minutes are going around, Frank should aim for a trade before training camp begins.