Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) is helped up by forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) and guard Norman Powell (24) after being fouled during the first half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LA Clippers Have Decision Between Enticing Trade or Spend $10 Million

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Grant Mona | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 1:24 PM ET

Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement enacted in 2023, it is becoming increasingly challenging for NBA teams to retain their core players without incurring a premium. The Los Angeles Clippers were one of the few teams to cut ties with some of their stars in order to be flexible in the new era of team-building.

Paul George and Russell Westbrook were not re-signed, and they parted ways with PJ Tucker in order to stay under the "second apron," which gives teams much more flexibility in trades and in the buyout market.

In the 2024 offseason, the Clippers signed Derrick Jones Jr. to a 3-year, $30 million contract, who had just been a massive part of the Mavericks' NBA Finals run. Jones Jr. played in 77 games with the Clippers and posted career-highs in multiple categories.

His versatile defense was one of the biggest reasons for the Clippers' defensive resurgence in the 2024-2025 season, and he brought an athletic presence that the team hadn't had since Blake Griffin.

Derrick Jones Jr. always blows the roof off of Intuit Dome.

Him and Harden connect on a huge dunk again pic.twitter.com/fEx61IQOWf
— Grant "Money" Mona (@Gmona48) March 17, 2025

But Los Angeles has decisions to make after their third straight first-round playoff exit. Jones Jr.'s contract makes him a valuable trade asset if packaged with other similar agreements for a higher-tier star.

A new report by HoopsHype's Michael Scotto revealed that the Clippers could include Jones Jr. in a package to acquire a superstar if they see it fit.

Scotto wrote, "Los Angeles could also attempt to trade for a max-salary player by including Derrick Jones Jr., who’s owed $10 million next season and $10.48 million for the 2026-27 season, to make the math work financially. The Clippers can theoretically dangle one unconditional first-round pick (2031) and two swaps (2030 and 2032)."

The Los Angeles Clippers are hunting for a star and veterans with championship experience this offseason, per @HPbasketball.

“The Clippers are hunting for a name. Some superstars (older ones), some veteran guys with championship experience. They really think they can make… pic.twitter.com/O0KVSDhCMN
— APHoops (@APH00PS) June 4, 2025

The Clippers have been rumored to be searching for an upgrade in multiple categories this offseason, and adding Jones Jr. to any trade package could entice a team to part with a superstar, such as Kevin Durant.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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