It’s a tradition at this point.
The Kawhi Leonard era in Los Angeles has been littered with talented rosters and early playoff exits.
The Clippers have been booted in the first round of the postseason for three straight years. The arena is new and now it’s time for the team to get some upgrades of its own.
NBA insider Zach Lowe outlined a deal on his podcast that would bring another talented wing to Los Angeles. It would create a formidable trio with Leonard and James Harden.
The only question is do the Clippers have what it takes to pull it off?
Clippers trade for Kevin Durant
The trade was proposed on a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show.
Clippers receive:
Suns receive:
- Norman Powell
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- 2030 1st round pick (unprotected)
- 2032 1st round pick (unprotected)
It’s not a king’s ransom but after reports that Durant’s value has declined, this could be a good deal for the Suns.
2030 seems like a long time away, but that actually works in Phoenix’s favor. Leonard, Harden, and Durant are all over 33 years old and by the time those picks materialize, the Clippers could be in the league’s cellar.
Lowe went on to detail how one the trade negotiations would crumble over one surprising player.
“I think that deal breaks down around Ivica Zubac,” Lowe said. “I think the Suns would want Zubac in that deal and the Suns would be like ‘the guy’s too good.'”
It goes to show how valuable Zubac is after his career year with the Clippers. He averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game last season.
If Los Angeles could pull it off without giving up Zubac their starting lineup could look like this:
- James Harden
- Kris Dunn
- Kawhi Leonard
- Kevin Durant
- Ivica Zubac
Dunn would be a defensive stopper and guard the best player on the opposing team. The other four players on the floor are all elite playmakers whether it be scoring, passing, or both. It would be one of the most talented Clippers starting lineups in history.
But would it be enough in the treacherous Western Conference?
Kevin Durant to the Clippers?@ZachLowe_NBA outlines why he thinks the Clippers will be involved in Durant trade discussions this offseason. pic.twitter.com/KF71s67W6f
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 9, 2025
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The Clippers finished as a four-seed last season losing in a hard-fought seven game series to the Nuggets. Their current roster has proven it can compete with the best and with Durant they could improve even more.
The trade is unlikely without Zubac, but Lowe assured his audience that this trade is just an example of the action we should expect from Steve Ballmer’s franchise this offseason.
“I just think the Clippers are going to try and do something this summer that catches people off guard,” he said.
Los Angeles fans hope he’s right.
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