As they get ready to move into a new arena, the LA Clippers are looking to continue their winning ways. Sure, they lost the services of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, but they added several new pieces in his place.
The Clippers may not be at the top of the list when it comes to anticipated championship contenders next season, but they have the personnel to be an underrated squad that can surprise teams. Much of the national media is writing off Kawhi Leonard once again, and he will of course be a ceiling-raiser if healthy.
Of course, a lot can happen for the Clippers between now and next offseason. Certain players could opt to leave town depending on results from this coming season, and it is possible the roster will look a good bit different one year from now. If we want to think of this from a realistic perspective, this is what LA's starting lineup could look like at the start of the 2025-26 season.
Point guard - Kris Dunn
The Clippers acquired Kris Dunn in the Russell Westbrook trade with the Jazz this summer. James Harden currently has a player option on his two-year deal with the team for the 2025-26 season. If LA underperforms in 2024-25 and Harden strongly desires to chase a ring before he retires, it certainly seems as though Kris Dunn would be a shoo-in to become the team's starting point guard.
Shooting guard - Bruce Brown
This is the one spot with a lot of potential flexibility for the Clippers. Terance Mann is certainly always a solid contributor, but Clippers management may look to make an upgrade if one becomes available. Bruce Brown will be back in Toronto in the coming season on a $23 million salary, and on an expiring deal. If the Clippers offload Harden's contract before the start of the 2025-26 season, they would hypothetically have the space to bring on a player like Bruce.
Small forward - Derrick Jones Jr.
There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to Derrick Jones Junior. The versatile wing had a career year with the Mavericks as Dallas went to their first NBA Finals in 13 years, and Jones was a huge part of them getting there. Derrick's athleticism at both ends and strong defense will make him an excellent candidate to remain as the Clippers' starting small forward for all three years he will be under contract.
Power forward - Kawhi Leonard
The extension Kawhi Leonard signed this past winter will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season, in which he will earn $50.3 million. That is obviously a steep price to pay, but it is worth it if Leonard can string together a solid run of good health and be ready to go come playoff time. Clippers fans have been begging for a healthy Kawhi in the playoffs. The thing is, if it actually happens, the whole conversation currently around him could be turned upside down.
Center - Ivica Zubac
We mentioned earlier in the summer that it will be of the utmost importance for the Clippers to get Ivica Zubac re-signed as soon as possible. He will be playing on an expiring deal this coming season, and LA will not want to lose his services if they are to keep their hypothetical title window open. Zubac has obvious chemistry with Kawhi, and his track record over his six seasons with the Clippers is proof of his reliability.