Trent Redden Named Clippers’ Interim Head Of Basketball Operations

The Clippers have named general manager Trent Redden their interim president of basketball operations while Lawrence Frank serves his six-month suspension, new interim governor John Gibson announced in a video message to fans (YouTube link).

The move had been expected, given that Redden had been the No. 2 man behind Frank in the Clippers’ basketball operations hierarchy. Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, received a six-month suspension for his involvement in Kawhi Leonard’s “impermissible” endorsement arrangements and for approving impermissible expenses incurred by Leonard and his family, the NBA announced earlier this month.

Redden, 42, was hired by the Cavaliers as a scout in 2007 and worked his way up the ranks of the organization, earning promotions to director of player personnel and, eventually, assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations.

Amid front offices changes in Cleveland in 2017, Redden left the Cavs and was hired by the Clippers as an assistant GM under Frank. While in that position,  he reportedly drew interest from the Pelicans, Bulls, and Kings during their respective front office searches before being promoted to general manager in L.A. in 2023 following the departure of Michael Winger to Washington.

Assistant general manager Mark Hughes, who also holds the title of senior vice president, has been elevated to interim GM during Frank’s suspension, Gibson added.

Hughes previously spent a decade with the Knicks as a scout and the team’s director of player personnel. He has been an assistant GM for the Clippers since 2017 and earned the senior VP title in 2023.

Here’s more from Gibson’s five-minute statement:

• Gibson stated that the Clippers have “completed confidence” in Tyronn Lue’s leadership in his head coaching role. “Ty has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity, unite teams, and inspire players to perform at their best,” the interim governor said. “His leadership will be instrumental as we move forward.”
• Gibson briefly addressed last week’s completion of the Leonard trade with Toronto, stating, “We thank Kawhi for his contributions on the court and wish him well.” He went on to express enthusiasm about offseason additions Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura, Max Strus, and Keaton Wagler.
• According to Gibson, the Clippers are “conducting a thoughtful and comprehensive review of both basketball and business operations to ensure every decision supports a winning culture.”