The LA Clippers’ front office most likely did not think twice about waiving or trading most of the players they did that were on the 2024-25 regular season roster. These predictable moves by Lawrence Frank were crystal clear, as veterans like Drew Eubanks and Ben Simmons were not beneficial in the regular season or playoffs.
Thus, Frank declared to waive Eubanks and not re-sign Simmons, proving the Clippers did not need them on the roster next season to inevitably contribute minimally in a league that provides limited roster space to each organization.
However, the Clippers gave the perfect role to Patty Mills last season, and although his stats are not eye-popping, he excelled in a way few have, and could, on Tyronn Lue’s bench.
Mills was a DNP in most games for the Clippers in the regular season, and all but one against the Denver Nuggets in the first round, but his three-point shooting was automatic when Lue brought him in.
In 12 of LA’s 82, Mills averaged 3.1 points, shooting 50% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc. The efficiencies here portray excellence, and the Clippers’ bench and fan base were always smiling when the veteran checked in and immediately began spraying opponents with his shooting capabilities.
Moreover, Mills prospered on the Clippers with a contagious attitude. A bucket could have been scored or a player could have taken a hard fall, and he would be the first in any situation to show up for his teammates in the best way possible.
This is the prototypical veteran every championship team needs, yet the Clippers’ 2025-26 roster is complete, and Mills is still a free agent.
The LA Clippers should have found a way to sign Patty Mills for another season
Patty Mills was thought to be a contributing reserve when he was traded to the LA Clippers with Drew Eubanks, but he took on an unexpected role that fans did not know the team needed. He did everything right and had an exceptional way of carrying himself towards his co-workers.
Conversely, the Clippers had the opportunity to re-sign Mills and respectfully chose not to, which is why the veteran is still searching for a city to spend the 2025-26 regular season in.
This move was understandable, but it would have also been a joy to see Mills back, as everyone loved him, and so would the new additions. Seeing the team soar to unbelievable heights without his energy will lead to sadness, given how Clipper Nation cherished his half-season under Intuit Dome.