Lakers-Clippers trade rumor. Image via:
The insider added, “The Clippers probably could not get a first-round pick for Jones, but there is a clamor for his services, and his expiring $10 million salary makes him an easy target. Jones, 29, is in the final year of the three-year, $30 million deal he signed with the Clippers, carrying a $10.4 million cap hit for 2026-27. He averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists a game this season while starting 45 games last year, per Clippers reporter Zion Trammel. Contract: 3 years, $30 million total, $10.4M cap hit for 2026-27 The idea centers on the Lakers using their need for wing depth to scoop up a player who already knows how to play alongside Doncic. Jones was part of the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals, giving him real chemistry with the Lakers’ franchise cornerstone.
Clippers writer Tomer Azarly has reported Jones hasn’t asked out and would even be open to a contract extension, which complicates any timeline for a deal getting done before opening night.
Current Team LA Clippers Rumored Team Los Angeles Lakers Contract Status Final year of 3-year, $30 million deal Salary Cap Hit $10.4 million (2026-27) Trade Likelihood Moderate to high Latest Insider Update Sean Deveney (Heavy): Jones is “most NBA trade-rumor ready” Potential Return Not specified in sources; reports indicate no first-round pick required The Clippers were docked five first-round picks after a nearly yearlong league investigation into salary cap violations, and the fallout has them scrambling to rebuild draft capital any way they can. “The player who is probably most NBA trade-rumor ready is Derrick Jones Jr., who has attracted attention across the league because he is a reliable defensive wing,” Heavy NBA insider Sean Deveney shared. Category Detail Player Derrick Jones Jr. Putting veterans on the block is the fastest route back to relevance in future drafts. Not everyone thinks Jones is guaranteed to move.
