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The Los Angeles Clippers saw a bitter rival join another in their own town when Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last month. In a move that people in NBA circles still can’t explain, Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in a package including Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first round pick. Even former teammate Derrick Jones Jr. couldn’t believe it.
The move that sent shockwaves around the NBA continues to baffle the public as Luka Doncic returns to form as a member of the Purple and Gold.
Luka Doncic on Clippers rivalry and Derrick Jones Jr. partnership
Lakers star Luka Doncic and Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. only played one year together with the Dallas Mavericks, but they were able to build a strong bond through the team’s deep playoff run.
Jones Jr. was a late offseason signing for the Mavs, but wound up having a career year averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three.
Jones went on to have a career postseason, where he shot a blistering 39.6 percent from three and even scored a career-high 22 points in Game 6 against the OKC Thunder.
Alongside Doncic, Jones Jr. helped the Mavs to the NBA Finals, where the Mavericks ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics in five games.
It did, however, feel like Dallas was on the precipice of something special and a simple retool around the core of Doncic and Kyrie Irving would be all that was needed.
Nine months later, Derrick Jones Jr. is a key piece for the Los Angeles Clippers, Luka Doncic is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn left ACL in what should put a nail in a brutal season for the Mavs and their fanbase.
Derrick Jones Jr. was as shocked as everyone when he saw news of the Mavericks-Lakers trade going down, telling ClutchPoints he thought the trade was fake initially.
After the last two contests between the Lakers and Clippers, Doncic was asked about his relationship with Jones Jr. now that they’re both in the same city.
“First of all, he’s an amazing guy just to be around,” Luka Doncic told ClutchPoints on Sunday. “Second, his defense, his ability to jump, his ability to shoot. Together, we were great I think. Obviously, that’s one guy I miss. Maybe we’ll get some dinner now that we’re in L.A.”
Luka Doncic to me on Derrick Jones Jr.:
“First of all, he’s an amazing guy just to be around. Second, his defense, his ability to jump, his ability to shoot. Together, we were great I think. Obviously, that’s one guy I miss. Maybe we’ll get some dinner now that we’re in L.A.” pic.twitter.com/rOdlTeLa6k
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 3, 2025
For his career, Doncic has now played 39 games against the LA Clippers — 20 in the regular season and 19 in the postseason. He has a 9-11 record against the Clippers in the regular season and a 9-10 record against them in the playoffs, including a win in the 2024 postseason as a member of the Mavericks.
During Sunday’s game, Doncic was seen screaming at the Clippers bench after drilling step-back three-pointers. He says that there might be a little extra fire when he plays them due to their long history of battles.
“Obviously, I went back and forth a lot with the Clippers,” Doncic said. “That’s what I like. To me, that’s fun, and that’s how I get going, especially on the basketball court.”
https://twitter.com/TomerAzarly/status/1896667073516077352
In 20 regular season games against the Clippers, Luka Doncic averages 32.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
He averages more points against the LA Clippers than any other opponent he’s played at least 10 times, and it’s by far the most he’s averaged against a team in the Western Conference.
In 19 playoff games against the Clippers, Doncic averages 32.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
With the Lakers winning the season series 3-1, they’ve put themselves in strong position to finish as the second seed in the Western Conference. As things currently stand, the Clippers are in seventh place and would be in the play-in tournament.
More must-reads:
- Report: Teams reluctant to discuss key offseason move with Bulls
- Warriors 'unlikely' to pivot from Jonathan Kuminga this summer
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
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Insider Reveals Massive Bulls-Josh Giddey Contract Gap
In the NBA, restricted free agency is a difficult thing--players have almost no leverage and are, essentially, reliant on the good nature of their employers to give them fair contracts. That's a rough spot for Bulls guard Josh Giddey, who is an RFA for Chicago after averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Bulls this summer. The Bulls brought in Giddey from the Thunder, in the deal that sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City. It's clear they value Giddey's ability to fill a box score, but questions remain around the holes in Giddey's game--his poor defense and subpar 3-point shooting--that make him a questionable long-term investment. Thus, as things stand, the Bulls and Giddey remain locked in a restricted free-agent battle, unable to find numbers they can agree upon. Bulls, Josh Giddey $10 Million Per Year Apart Now, thanks to insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line substack, we have an idea of just how far apart the sides are: $10 million per year. Yes, Giddey's camp sees the player as a $30 million AAV type. The Bulls see him as a $20 million type, with an offer on the table worth $80 million over four years. Both sides are dug in, Fischer reports, though there is outside interest in Giddey, too. "League sources say that the Bulls made an offer of $80 million over four years to restricted free agent Josh Giddey when the offseason commenced on June 30. Giddey, of course, is seeking an annual salary in the $30 million range. Chicago has been anchored in the $20 million range in annual value ever since its original offer." Expect the Bulls to hold firm here, as they did with Lauri Markkanen back in 2021. Markkanen was traded to Cleveland, and ultimately, the Bulls would prefer not to trade Giddey. But the Markkanen situation was not resolved until Aug. 28 of that year, and the Giddey contract could easily drag out that long, too.
3 Steelers Rookies Who Impressed During The Exciting Preseason Opener Vs Jaguars
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2025 preseason with a nail-biting win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night. Rookie undrafted free agent Daryl Porter made the game-winning tackle inbounds in the final seconds, keeping the clock running and securing the 31-25 win. Porter was one of many rookies to make their debut on Saturday, in a game where 16 starters sat out both due to injury and veteran rest. Some, like defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, are expected to start right away, while others are fighting for a roster spot -- with many making a convincing case. One of these players was wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams, who is on the outside looking in at a 53-man roster spot currently. While the receiver room in Pittsburgh is crowded, and the Steelers are unlikely to keep more than six wideouts, there have been questions about whether a young guy could steal the final spot from a veteran like Robert Woods. The speedy 5'9" receiver from Indiana made quite a case on Saturday, hauling in 2 catches for 55 yards and the game-winning TD from quarterback Skylar Thompson. If Williams wants to stick around and at least compete for a practice squad spot, it's important that he's able to prove that he's more than just a speedster, and grabbing jump balls from the hands of a defender is a good start. Williams wasn't the only offensive weapon who impressed. Rookie running back Max Hurleman also made his case for a roster spot on Saturday night. Thompson's connection with Hurleman shined in the two-minute drill to end the half, connecting on a pair of consecutive passes, one being a touchdown. While Hurleman's official position might be listed as running back, the Steelers view him as more than that. Hurleman has lined up out wide, as well as in the backfield, making him much more of a Swiss Army knife than a traditional runner. If he wants to stick around, Hurleman's versatility will be why he does so, and he will have to hope that he can usurp someone like Connor Heyward, who is a similar weapon in the passing game. Steelers' 2025 First-Round Pick Gets His First Start While guys like Hurleman and Williams fight for a roster spot, the rookie Harmon has his locked up. In fact, the Steelers have the utmost faith in the rookie, with Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar stating that he will be starting Week 1. "You can write that," Dunbar said earlier this summer. "He’s our starting left defensive end." Starting rookies immediately is not something that Pittsburgh typically does, and it shows that they see enough in Harmon to put him in right away. While the box score didn't pop for him on Saturday night, there was still plenty to like. Harmon was able to get in the backfield on multiple plays and create pressure -- something the Steelers have been looking for after moving on from Larry Ogunjobi earlier in the offseason. Harmon is going to add a vital piece to both the pass and run defense for Pittsburgh in 2025. The team is hoping to bounce back after a disappointing playoff performance in January that led to Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry rushing for nearly 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Coming out of Oregon, Harmon was lauded for his ability to both stop the run and create pressure on quarterbacks, leading the FBS with 55 total pressures. Whether it be their first-round pick, or guys fighting on the bubble, there's no doubt that the rookies were a highlight of the team's preseason performance on Saturday. Whether they can stick around will be decided when the roster cutdown deadline passes on August 27th. Until then, they will be looking toward their next opportunity, when the Steelers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 16th at 7 PM ET. Which rookie's performance were you most impressed by?
Leafs’ Proposed Blockbuster Trade Could Jeopardize Future
A recent trade pitch suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins is undeniably a bold and wild idea. With that in mind, it’s not the kind of trade that makes a ton of sense for Toronto, even if both players are legitimate goal scorers — especially considering what Toronto would have to give up to acquire both players. The likelihood that the Maple Leafs are seeking a trade for both wingers is low to begin with. That they’d be willing to part with a new trade acquisition, one of their more steady defensemen, a high-ceiling winger, and the team’s top prospect is an even more fascinating suggestion. Toronto Isn’t About To Abandon Their Game Plan The suggested trade was as follows: Maple Leafs Acquire: Bryan Rust ($5,125,000) Rickard Rakell ($5,000,000) Penguins Acquire: Nick Robertson ($1,825,000) Jake McCabe ($4,491,898) Matias Maccelli ($3,425,000) Easton Cowan ($873,500) While Rust and Rakell bring impressive goal-scoring credentials — combining for 66 goals last season — the Leafs have just added Matias Maccelli, a promising winger signed to what they hope is a value contract this offseason. On top of that, they’ve invested heavily in Jake McCabe on defense and have Easton Cowan, arguably their best prospect, waiting in the wings. Nick Robertson may be on the move, so his inclusion makes sense, but there’s been no suggestion, whatsoever, that the Leafs are open to moving any of the other three. No doubt, you have to give to get. That said, trading away these useful, cost-controlled assets for veterans like Rust and Rakell seems like a shortsighted mistake. Maccelli’s acquisition signals the Leafs are looking to build with youth, speed, and skill, while McCabe provides a steady defensive presence — something the Maple Leafs desperately need to maintain. Easton Cowan, meanwhile, presents arguably the best future replacement for the offensive output lost with Mitch Marner’s departure. Is There A World In Which Toronto Would Consider This Blockbuster Trade? Never say never. There is no doubt this would be a big swing by Toronto. And, it would add goal scoring in a significant way. That said, given the current roster construction, why would Toronto create obvious holes on their blue line, in the system, and move a player they believe could be a key offensive contributor in Maccelli? This would be GM Brad Treliving mortgaging everything on two Penguins players, who reportedly don’t want to go anywhere — one of whom has an eight-team no-trade clause. This trade screams 2025-25 Cup run, and an attempt to outscore other problems in the present day. Ultimately, this proposed trade serves as an interesting talking point, but it doesn’t quite pass the smell test for a Leafs team focused on a blend of youth and experience heading into the new season.
Packers Roster Projection After Preseason Loss to Jets
The first preseason game is out of the way. It was sloppy, to stay the least. The good news for the Green Bay Packers is nothing counts for the standings and there’s plenty to correct between now and their second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. During his halftime interview, coach Matt LaFleur called his team effort uninspired and asked for his players to show “some fight.” After the 30-10 loss to the Jets, he said his team got its “ass kicked.” This team should not be judged by preseason results. Individual roster battles, however, will be judged by preseason performances. With that as a backdrop, here’s a look at who we believe will be on the 53-man roster that general manager Brian Gutekunst has to select on Aug. 26. Quarterbacks (2) Jordan Love, Malik Willis. Analysis: This one is pretty straight-forward. Jordan Love is the starter. Malik Willis, who helped the Packers win three games last year, is the backup. Neither of the potential options for the third quarterback, Sean Clifford or Taylor Elgersma, have done anything to distinguish themselves as a potential option on the roster. With some of the competition at the back of the roster, a third quarterback is likely a waste of a roster spot, anyway. While it might not have looked like it on Saturday, Love and Willis form one of the best quarterback rooms in football. Running Backs (3) Josh Jacobs, Marshawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks. Analysis: This position group is interesting because of injuries to Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson. Both sat out Saturday’s game, and it’s unclear when they’ll return. Coach Matt LaFleur said after Lloyd’s injury that he did not think it was a long-term situation, but he has yet to practice since he got hurt. Wilson said he dodged a bullet after thinking he tore his ACL when trying to adjust to an off-target pass. He has not returned to practice, either. With the injuries and how much the Packers like to run the ball, they’ll need bodies on the roster behind Jacobs. Nonetheless, the guess is they will pass on keeping a fourth back, with Brooks keeping the role as a do-it-all role player behind the top tandem. Receivers (5) Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams. Analysis: These five are stone-cold locks, with Christian Watson likely to start the season on the physically unable to perform list due to last year’s knee injury. The only real battle is for the sixth receiver spot, if the Packers choose to keep that many. After the first preseason game, however, the veterans leading the battle did more to lose a roster spot than to take hold of one. Malik Heath had two drops. Mecole Hardman had one drop, displayed poor judgement in fielding one punt and muffed another. With some of the competition on the back of the roster at other positions, the sixth receiver is likely someone who would be released as soon as Watson is ready. Part of the calculus here is that four of Green Bay’s receivers are hobbled by an injury. If any of those injuries extend into the end of training camp, the Packers could keep an extra body here. For now, Heath and Hardman have played their way off the roster. Tight Ends (3) Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, John Fitzpatrick. Analysis: Kraft and Musgrave look to be big parts of the offense, with Musgrave getting some time with Jordan Love and the first-team offense on Saturday and throughout training camp. Apart from him, Fitzpatrick has taken more snaps than Ben Sims. This will come down to special teams, where Fitzpatrick landed ahead of Sims to close the 2024 season. He made a nice play for Malik Willis when the reserves took over on Saturday night. Offensive Line (9) Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, Anthony Belton, Donovan Jennings, Jacob Monk. Analysis: The first seven players on that list are locks to make the team, with the first five being the projected starters and Morgan and Belton being first- and second-round picks, respectively. Travis Glover was in line to be one of the top reserves but was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Monk remains on the roster in this projection, but his first action of preseason football was forgettable to say the least with three holding penalties. There isn’t anyone that has outplayed him to this point. The Packers should have plenty of competition open for the last couple of spots on the offensive line. Defensive Tackles (6) Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson. Analysis: Wooden might be the last guy to make the roster, but he was really active on Saturday night. With some injury questions at other spots on the roster and some physical teams on the early portion of the season, the Packers might want to go heavier on the defensive line Stackhouse feels like he’s more likely to make the roster than he isn’t, which is saying a lot considering he was an undrafted free agent. Brinson had a slow start to camp but has strung together a few solid days. He’s also a draft pick of Gutekunst, which means he’ll likely stick on the roster. Defensive Ends (6) Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox, Collin Oliver, Kingsley Enagbare. Analysis: Gary and Van Ness will start. Van Ness has been active during camp and looks poised to fill some of the expectations the team had for him when they picked him 13th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Sorrell has been getting rave reviews, including by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on Sunday following a strong preseason debut. Cox has taken a jump as a third-year pass rusher, as well. Oliver has not been cleared for camp activities, but Gutekunst usually likes to keep his draft choices, so if he is healthy by the end of camp, he’ll likely make the roster. Enagbare did not make our initial prediction to make the roster, but was impactful on Saturday. The Packers typically like to lean younger, but there’s no harm in keeping Enagbare around as a rotational pass rusher. Linebackers (5) Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Isaiah Simmons Analysis: For the first time in a while, the Packers have to feel good about their depth at linebacker. Simmons has drawn rave reviews from his coaches and Hopper a third-round pick last year, looks like a player who has made the leap as a second-year player. That does not even include Kristian Welch, a special teams ace who the Packers re-signed this offseason. He is one of the team’s best special-teamers. Last year that was not enough to keep him on the roster, and this time around he was our final cut from the roster. Cornerbacks (5) Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton, Corey Ballentine. Analysis: The top three will play pivotal roles, with Hobbs and Nixon set to start and Valentine being the next man up. The back of the depth chart? That’s a huge question mark. Bo Melton is the best story of the offseason, and was one of the top reserves off the bench on Saturday. Melton playing cornerback is not just a gimmick. It appears to be a legitimate option. With his prowess on special teams and ability to fill in at receiver in a pinch, it’s hard to envision a scenario in which he does not make the team. Kalen King, a seventh-round pick last year, has performed well in camp and had two big snaps in the red zone on Saturday. His versatility to play on the boundary and in the slot could earn him a chance on the back end of the roster. Micah Robinson, a seventh-round pick this year, has had some nice moments, as well. The last spot, however, goes to Ballentine, who the Packers re-signed last week following Hobbs’ knee surgery. He’s played good football in Green Bay and is a good special-teams player. Assuming the injury he suffered against the Jets is not too serious, he would get the nod. Safeties (6) Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Kitan Oladapo, Zayne Anderson, Omar Brown. Analysis: The first three in this group is pretty clear. Xavier McKinney is a star. Assuming he’s ready for Week 1, he’ll be one of the key cogs of Jeff Hafley’s defense. Javon Bullard and Evan Wlliams are both going to play roles. As of now, it looks like Bullard will be more of an interchangeable chess pieces as he moves to the slot in the team’s nickel package. Williams has largely been the starter next to McKinney, and had a strong rookie season. Zayne Anderson is a staple of the special teams units, and appears to have dodged a bullet with the knee injury he suffered in the team’s preseason opener. Omar Brown has been one of the stars of camp, capped off by his three interceptions during the team’s family night scrimmage. Specialists (3) Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech. Analysis: This one is easy. McManus was a savior for the Packers last season and has been lights out during training camp. Whelan and Orzech, meanwhile, are flying solo through camp. Combined, this is a high-quality battery.
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