Advertisement - scroll for more content
Clippers don't want to trade Ivica Zubac despite Suns' interest in him
We've been consistently told LA has no desire to part with Ivica Zubac ... as much as Phoenix surely covets the consistently improving center. The Clippers, however, do hold two future first-round picks and some available swap rights to sweeten a potential Durant offer that would almost certainly require the inclusion of Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. Phoenix has surely recognized that it lacks a bonafide starting center. Which is why, amidst all of the various Suns topics in circulation, they are said to be highly intrigued by the prospect of adding a floor-spacing big man this offseason to address that weakness.
Suns not interested in Karl-Anthony Towns
We’ve never talked about the Clippers before, but they’ve got Zubac, they’ve got Dunn, they’ve got Powell, they’ve got Derrick Jones. I’ll have to look at what their draft capital is, but the Clippers are a team that I’ve heard. I’ve also heard that the Suns don’t have interest in Karl-Anthony Towns. Thank God—I did hear that today. I was told today that they wouldn’t have interest."
Kevin Durant linked to Clippers?
Radio Talk Show host on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM in Phoenix John Gambadoro went on air to talk about some teams that could be interested in Durant, with a sleeper team now in the mix. "The one team that I think there will be communication [with]...this may be the Suns reaching out to them or them reaching out to the Suns or just mutual interest...is the Clippers," Gambadoro said. He continued to say, "We've never talked about the Clippers before but they got [Ivica] Zubac, they got [Kris] Dunn, they got [Norman] Powell, they got Derrick Jones [Jr.]. I'll have to look at what their draft capital is but the Clippers are a team that I heard."
Until they did. Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. tightened up the NBA’s third best defense. Nicolas Batum played 78 games and shot 43.3% from three. In larger roles, Zubac and Norman Powell thrived. Leonard and Harden are the biggest piece of the puzzle but they are part of one that fits. “I think when you have a team that appreciates their role and understands what their role is every single night and they're fine with it, it makes it a lot easier to coach,” said Lue. “What our guys have been able to do this year, understanding their roles … it kind of puts guys in their places and guys are fine with their roles and understand what we need from them every single night.”
Law Murray: Derrick Jones Jr., 2024-25 road splits: 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 40 steals, 16 blocks, 52.9% FG, 35.9% 3s in 39 games DJ home splits: 9.8 pts, 3.4 reb, 0.8 ast, 39 stl, 17 blk, 52.3% FG, 35.3% 3 in 38 games He says that he's the same player no matter the venue. pic.x.com/e6f2Qk0jqG
Advertisement
But Harden’s stats aren’t why he is having a special season. He has made an impact on this Clippers team that must be acknowledged. “He’s a selfless person,” said Derrick Jones Jr., the Clippers’ top free-agent addition in the offseason. “I mean, he’s all about the team. He wants to see the next guy be great. … He’s always there, he’s always available whenever you need him. Got something to talk about, go chop it up with him. That’s not normal for a lot of guys.”
Nick DePaula: BREAKING: ANTA & @KyrieIrving have signed Caris LeVert, Derrick Jones Jr. & Daniel Gafford to shoe deals. “These guys are my brothers, players I’ve shared the journey with,” said Irving. “Together, we aim to inspire the future of basketball and create a legacy that resonates
Law Murray: Tyronn Lue explained pregame how Kawhi Leonard has an adjustment to make under defensive coordinator Jeff Van Gundy and his scheme (this team actually forces turnovers, unlike most of the 213 era) But TLue excited about Leonard, Dunn, Jones Jr. defensively as well (h/t @ChrysNBA) pic.x.com/MxOHlkX5f0
Advertisement
Norman Powell leads Clippers in nail-biter over pesky Pelicans
Tomer Azarly: Clippers defeat the Pelicans, 116-113. Norman Powell: 35 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls James Harden: 27 pts, 2 rebs, 4 asts Ivica Zubac: 20 pts, 16 rebs, 4 asts Derrick Jones Jr.: 11 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls CJ McCollum: 33 pts, 2 rebs, 4 asts
Norman Powell, James Harden combine for 50 to help Clippers beat Grizzlies
Tomer Azarly: Clippers defeat the Grizzlies, 114-110. Norman Powell: 29 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls James Harden: 21 pts, 9 rebs, 8 asts Ivica Zubac: 20 pts, 20 rebs, 3 stls Derrick Jones Jr.: 13 pts, 2 rebs, 2 stls Kevin Porter Jr.: 13 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts, 2 stls Jaren Jackson: 24 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts
Derrick Jones Jr. likens his durability to Wolverine or Deadpool. Sure enough, Jones made a surprise return to practice ahead of the road trip to Dallas, was listed as questionable ahead of the first game, and wound up getting to return to the lineup on a minutes restriction. It was almost like he needed to play so he could take in the tribute video at American Airlines Center that the Mavericks played for his services. “I wasn’t expecting that,” Jones said sheepishly after the Clippers beat Dallas Thursday night 118-95, 11 days after Jones initially strained his hamstring. “But it’s love, for sure. I always got love for this city. They gave me an opportunity to play when a lot of teams wouldn’t. And I just was able to take full advantage of the opportunity. Got myself here.”
Jones’ departure was a blow to the Mavericks, who beat the Clippers in the quarterfinals before going on a run that ended with an NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. “Derrick was a big part of our success last year,” Dallas head coach Jason Kidd said before Thursday’s game. “He was the last to sign with us … he made us a little bit more athletic. He could guard one through five. He shot the 3 well for us. And he’s a pro. He comes to work every day to do his job. We’re happy for his new contract. Unfortunately, he’s on the other side. But the Clippers got a pro.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement