Clippers Reject Trade of Zubac for Unprotected First-Round Pick, Target Four Major Acquisitions; Reddish Joins G-League Affiliate

According to Clippers reporter Azarly, one of the team’s main goals ahead of the trade deadline is to free roster spots and salary space to convert Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller from two-way contracts to standard deals.

Currently, the Clippers have 14 players on standard contracts (with Patrick Baldwin Jr. on a 10-day deal). With Sanders and Miller’s two-way appearances nearing the limit, at least one standard contract player must be moved to accommodate them. Azarly noted that Chris Paul and Kobe Brown are the top trade candidates, but cutting either player would still leave their full salary on the books.

Having already used the full mid-level exception and the bi-annual exception unavailable this season, the Clippers could only use a $2.68 million disabled player exception for one-year deals to offer above-minimum contracts to Sanders or Miller.

Azarly also revealed that the Hornets inquired about Ivica Zubac, but the Clippers have no intention of moving their starting center. A prior offer including an unprotected first-round pick plus a draft swap failed to progress.

Meanwhile, interest in power forward John Collins has decreased; Collins has excelled during the team’s recent winning streak, averaging 28.1 minutes, 15.6 points, and impressive shooting splits over 14 games. Veteran Bogdan Bogdanović is not actively on the trade block, though a potential deal would not be surprising; he has played only 16 games this season with career-low stats.

Recently, trade rumors have linked the Clippers with Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, Hornets guard Sexton, Celtics guard Anfernee Simons, and Bulls guard Coby White. The team still needs a primary ball-handler to relieve James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.

In G-League news, according to Fischer, Cam Reddish was acquired by the Austin Spurs before being traded to the Clippers’ G-League affiliate in San Diego for a 2027 first-round G-League pick. Reddish, a former Duke standout and NBA lottery pick, has yet to become a consistent scorer but averaged 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 9 games in Lithuania, showing potential—particularly defensively on the wing—with the chance to earn another NBA opportunity via strong G-League performances.