The Los Angeles Clippers are heading toward training camp with a roster that has undergone significant change during the offseason. The team has continued adjusting its personnel while looking for the right balance between veteran experience, perimeter depth and frontcourt options.
Los Angeles also added Max Strus in a five-team trade that involved the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets, further increasing the number of players competing for minutes. The move has added another experienced perimeter option to a roster that already has several guards and wings.
With training camp approaching, the Clippers still have decisions to make about their roster construction and rotation. The latest development could create another opening for Los Angeles to make a move before the regular season begins.
Derrick Jones Jr. Emerges as Clippers Trade Candidate
NBA insiders Brett Siegel and Tomer Azarly discussed the Clippers’ roster situation on the Clutch Scoops podcast, with Siegel pointing to a potential salary-clearing move involving Derrick Jones Jr.
“They have a roster crunch at this point,” Siegel said. “They’re going to be looking to dump some salary between now and training camp and start of the season.”
Siegel then specifically identified Jones as a player who could be involved in those discussions.
“We know that Derrick Jones Jr. is available in trade talks there for the Clippers,” Siegel said.
The development comes despite Jones having a productive role for Los Angeles. The 29-year-old averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 50 games last season. His athleticism and defensive versatility have made him a useful rotation forward.
Jones also brings significant postseason experience. During the 2023-24 season with the Dallas Mavericks, he appeared in 76 games and started 66. He averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 38.8% from 3-point range.
His role became even more important during Dallas’ playoff run. Jones started all 22 postseason games and averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 29.4 minutes per game.
That experience gives Jones value beyond his regular-season production. However, Siegel’s comments indicate that the Clippers’ current roster situation could force the team to consider moving useful players as it works to create financial and roster flexibility.
The situation also comes after Los Angeles acquired Strus, who is set to make $16.6 million next season. The Clippers were able to absorb his contract into their trade exception, adding another veteran to an already crowded rotation.
Clippers Face Rotation Decisions After Max Strus Addition
The Jones situation is part of a larger roster challenge for Los Angeles. After acquiring Strus, the Clippers have 17 players under contract for next season and must make additional moves before the regular season.
The backcourt is particularly crowded. Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler, Strus, Bradley Beal, Kobe Sanders, and Kris Dunn are among the players expected to compete for minutes at the two guard positions.
Gradey Dick and Brandon Ingram can also contribute on the perimeter.
Kris Dunn, in particular, has emerged as another potential trade candidate in the roster analysis provided. He was an important defensive contributor last season and carries a $5.6 million expiring contract.
The frontcourt presents a different problem. Los Angeles has limited proven depth at power forward and center, with Rui Hachimura listed as the only established power forward and Brook Lopez as the veteran center option.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser is recovering from Lisfranc surgery, while Isaiah Jackson and Johni Broome remain less experienced options.
For Jones, the latest development shows that even productive veterans can become part of roster discussions when a team needs to manage its personnel. The Clippers now have to determine which players fit their long-term plans and which moves can provide the flexibility needed before training camp.
With the roster still unsettled, Jones’ name could remain one to watch as Los Angeles approaches the start of the season.
Report: Clippers Get Major Roster Update as Trade Talks Emerge