5 Best Targets For The Los Angeles Clippers Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

The Los Angeles Clippers are entering the 2024-25 season with several big moves already made, but their roster still has a few gaps. Paul George has left to Philadelphia, leaving the team with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden as the key stars. However, with Kawhi's health always in question and Harden no longer in his prime, the Clippers need reinforcements. They’ve already brought in Kris Dunn to strengthen their defense, and Derrick Jones Jr. will add some versatility, but they still have room to make impactful moves. With Ivica Zubac signing an extension, the Clippers remain committed to building around their current core, but they need a few more pieces to elevate their roster. Here's a look at five players they could target to shore up their depth and give them a real shot at contending this season.

1. Zach LaVine

Potential Trade Offer To The Chicago Bulls: Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, Terance Mann, Bones Hyland

Zach LaVine is one of the most talked-about trade candidates heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls have been stuck in a state of limbo, with LaVine’s name constantly swirling in trade rumors due to the team’s struggles and their inability to make deep playoff runs. While being a two-time All-Star, LaVine hasn’t found a consistent fit in Chicago’s system, and his hefty contract—he’s signed through 2026 with a player option for 2027—makes him a complicated piece to move.

Last season, LaVine faced a setback due to a lingering foot injury that eventually required surgery, forcing him to miss a large portion of the season. In the 2023-24 campaign, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game but shot a lower-than-usual 45% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. His injury history and slight decline in performance, combined with the Bulls’ desire to reset or rebuild, have led to the organization actively exploring trade options for him.

However, finding a trade partner for LaVine has proven difficult. His $215 million contract and the uncertainty surrounding his health have left potential suitors hesitant. The Clippers, though, could be a landing spot for LaVine, especially as they look to make one final push with their current core of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

For the Clippers, LaVine would provide an elite scoring option and athleticism they need to complement their stars. While Kawhi and Harden remain the focal points, both players have struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent years. Adding LaVine’s shot creation and ability to stretch the floor would ease the offensive burden on Leonard and Harden. His career 38% three-point shooting over the past few seasons could help space the floor for the Clippers, allowing them to maintain a potent offense even when one of their stars is off the court.

The proposed trade package—Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, Terance Mann, and Bones Hyland—gives the Bulls a blend of veteran leadership and promising young players. Powell provides Chicago with a reliable scoring option, while Mann and Hyland offer long-term upside. PJ Tucker, known for his defense and leadership, would add toughness to a young Bulls squad in need of guidance.

For the Clippers, this trade allows them to acquire LaVine without giving up any core pieces, while Chicago gets the flexibility and assets they need to rebuild or retool their roster. This deal could be exactly what both teams need heading into the 2024-25 season.

2. Julius Randle

Potential Trade Offer to the New York Knicks: Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, 2031 First-Round Pick

Julius Randle had a challenging 2023-24 season, missing significant time due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in January. Before the injury, he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, proving himself as one of the Knicks' top performers. Despite his productivity, questions about his future in New York have emerged, especially after the Knicks’ acquisition of Mikal Bridges. With Bridges set to take on a larger role, rumors suggest that Randle might be the odd man out in a lineup that’s getting crowded with talented wings.

The Clippers, in need of frontcourt depth, could capitalize on this situation. Randle’s inside scoring, rebounding, and playmaking would provide a valuable complement to Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, filling a critical need in their roster. His physicality and scoring versatility make him an ideal fit for L.A.'s system, especially given the team's frequent injuries. The proposed trade package—Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, and a 2031 first-round pick—offers the Knicks immediate contributors and future flexibility.

For New York, this deal provides veteran players who could contribute immediately, as well as a valuable draft asset for the future, helping them continue to build around their evolving core. The addition of Bridges has created an opportunity for the Knicks to reshape their lineup, and moving Randle could be a step in that direction. Meanwhile, Randle would find a fresh start with a Clippers team hungry for playoff success, where his skills could be fully utilized.

Related: 5 Best Targets For The Houston Rockets Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

3. Cameron Johnson

Potential Trade Offer to the Brooklyn Nets: Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, Kobe Brown, 2030 Second-Round Pick

Cameron Johnson has been a key trade target for several teams as the Brooklyn Nets enter a rebuilding phase following the departure of Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last season while shooting a solid 39.1% from three-point range, remains a valuable asset for the Nets. Despite his productive season, there’s a growing belief that the Nets are open to trading him if the right deal presents itself.

The Nets are in full rebuild mode, and although they are not actively pushing to trade Johnson, his high value on the market makes him a prime candidate for a deal. Brooklyn has placed a hefty asking price on Johnson, given his two-way abilities and strong shooting, but with their current roster in flux and lacking a clear direction, moving Johnson for younger assets might make sense for their long-term strategy.

A trade package from the Clippers featuring Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, Kobe Brown, and a 2030 second-round pick would give the Nets a mix of young talent and future flexibility. Mann has proven to be a versatile, improving player, while Hyland adds youth and offensive firepower. For the Clippers, acquiring Johnson would solidify their wing depth and provide elite shooting and defensive versatility, making him an ideal fit alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Johnson’s shooting could be a game-changer for a Clippers team looking to improve its spacing and capitalize on Leonard and Harden’s playmaking.

4. Anfernee Simons

Potential Trade Offer to the Portland Trail Blazers: PJ Tucker, Amir Coffey, 2031 First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick

Anfernee Simons ' name has been swirling in trade rumors throughout the offseason, and for good reason. The 25-year-old guard had his best season in 2023-24, posting averages of 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from the field and 39% from three-point range. His offensive firepower and shooting make him a highly attractive trade asset, but Portland's backcourt is crowded with young talent, particularly with the emergence of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, who the Blazers are looking to build around in their post-Damian Lillard era.

While Portland doesn’t necessarily need to trade Simons, they are open to the idea, especially since they are currently in rebuild mode. The Blazers’ goal is to develop their young core, and Simons could be the odd man out as the team tries to make room for their new guard tandem. Recent reports indicate that either Simons or Jerami Grant could be moved before training camp, with the team looking to balance their roster and free up playing time for Henderson and Sharpe.

The Clippers could capitalize on this situation by offering a package of PJ Tucker, Amir Coffey, and future draft picks. For the Blazers, this deal would give them the flexibility they need to focus on their young core while gaining additional future assets. Meanwhile, Simons would provide the Clippers with elite shooting, playmaking, and the ability to score at all three levels, making him an ideal fit alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden as they push for a title in the 2024-25 season.

5. John Collins

Potential Trade Offer to the Utah Jazz: Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, 2030 Second-Round Pick

John Collins, who was traded to the Utah Jazz from the Atlanta Hawks in the summer of 2023, finds himself once again at the center of trade rumors. While Collins had a solid season in Utah, averaging 14.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, his fit with the team hasn’t been ideal. There have been concerns about his ability to fully integrate into the Jazz’s system, particularly on the defensive end. Utah’s front office has reportedly been frustrated with Collins' struggles to adapt, leading to renewed trade rumors.

With Lauri Markkanen emerging as the focal point of the Jazz’s offense and the team looking to develop their young core, including players like Walker Kessler and rookie Donovan Clingan, Collins' role has become uncertain. Despite his talent and solid counting stats, the Jazz are reportedly open to moving him if they can find the right deal.

For the Clippers, acquiring Collins would provide a versatile forward who can rebound, score, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. A trade package of Norman Powell, PJ Tucker, and a future second-round pick offers the Jazz veteran leadership and shooting while allowing them to continue building their young core. Meanwhile, Collins would give the Clippers a much-needed frontcourt presence to support their stars as they aim to contend in the 2024-25 season.

Related: Proposed Trade Sends Brandon Ingram To The Nets Giving The Pelicans Two Key Players