Can the Clippers Finally Break Through in 2025-26?

The Clippers’ front office have set themselves up for flexibility down the road. As of today, they hold the largest available cap space for 2028 free agency. Additionally, they used their midlevel exception to sign multiple free agents, including Brook Lopez as a backup center for Ivica Zubac, one of the team’s greatest needs in recent years.

In Lopez, they have acquired an experienced veteran and champion who will contribute high-quality minutes off the bench.

Collins Arrives to Fill the Eternal Void in the Paint

The Clippers’ other notable move this offseason was filling the void they have had since the beginning of the 213 era— acquiring a true power forward.

Kawhi Leonard dealt with various injuries this past season (and throughout his career), which haven’t kept him from playing at a high level upon returning, but have been concerning when it comes to defending the opposing team’s best player. The lack of help also increased after Paul George‘s departure, as he was replaced by Norman Powell. Despite having done an excellent job and having his best season offensively, Powell left a lot to be desired defensively, and his lack of physicality and height were the main reasons for defeat against the Denver Nuggets last season.

So the move was obvious. Many fans predicted it before it happened— trade Powell for a strong power forward with rebounding ability who can spread the floor, making the team younger.

The answer: John Collins, whom they acquired in a three-way trade with the Miami Heat.

Beal, CP3 Shape The West’s New Monster

Following the Powell trade, the Clippers strengthened their defense and rebounding, but lost offensive power. This was not ideal, so the Clippers signed All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal to a two-year, $11 million contract after he reached a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns.

Beal joins the Clippers’ roster as the third option, without having to be the leader of the project, and now with a project that has a true point guard able to create for him, unlike his last two years in Phoenix.

Beal is not an incredible defender, but he is better than Powell and has a better offensive bag.

To put the icing on the cake of this ambitious offseason, the Clippers needed to address one last issue: playmaking off the bench.

They managed to fill this gap with franchise legend Chris Paul, who is expected to retire after this season.

With CP3, the Clippers will now have guaranteed point-guard playmaking. This has been a hole they have had for several seasons. Lob threats like Zubac, Lopez, Collins, and Derrick Jones Jr. will benefit immensely from The Point God. Collins and Lopez can also offer a pick-and-pop threat.

What About Defense? The Clippers Have an Answer.

The biggest uncertainty surrounding this new team has been defense.

Harden and Beal have never been quality defenders. Collins’ inexperience in a more competitive and tougher environment has yet to be tested.

However, the Clippers have a great defensive scheme behind the elite mind of Jeff Van Gundy. Last season, Van Gundy took the Clippers from the 16th-ranked defense in 2023-24 to third. They ranked eighth in deflections and sixth in defensive loose-ball recovery.

Van Gundy achieved all this with only 37 games from Kawhi Leonard and with Norman Powell in the starting lineup.

The Los Angeles Clippers have disappointed in recent years, but this may finally be the year they break through.