The Los Angeles Clippers continue to make moves as the NBA trade deadline approaches, solidifying their roster by trading away some veteran players. On February 1, 2025, the Clippers executed a significant trade, sending forward P.J. Tucker, center Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick, and cash to the Utah Jazz in exchange for guards Patty Mills and Drew Eubanks.
This trade signifies not just a roster rearrangement for the Clippers, currently positioned sixth in the competitive Western Conference at 28-20, but also their desire to get below the luxury tax threshold. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, “The Los Angeles Clippers are trading PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills.”
The Clippers' acquisition of Mills and Eubanks opens up new avenues for flexibility, particularly as they aim for post-season success. Bobby Marks from ESPN elaborated on the transaction, noting, “The trade not only brings the LA Clippers below the luxury tax but gives them options at the deadline and buyout market.”
Particularly, Mills, known for his sharpshooting, had shown remarkable prowess on the court, shooting 40% from three-point range with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2021-22 season. This year with the Utah Jazz, Mills averaged 4.4 points and 1.2 assists over 17 games. His previous success, highlighted by his performance during San Antonio Spurs’ championship run in 2014, makes him a valuable asset for the Clippers as they bolster their perimeter shooting.
On the other hand, Eubanks, averaging 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds this season, was recognized for providing defensive stability and much-needed depth for the Clippers’ frontcourt. With this trade, Clippers' front office believes they are poised to make significant adjustments to their lineup as they push toward the playoffs.
Another notable aspect of the move is salary management. By shedding Tucker's substantial $11.5 million contract and replacing it with the cheaper contracts of Mills and Eubanks, the Clippers have effectively created additional trade exceptions worth $6.4 million and $2.1 million. This allows them the flexibility to make more moves leading to the trade deadline of February 6.
While players like James Harden, Norman Powell, and Terance Mann occupy more prominent roles, Mills is expected to provide depth and experienced shooting off the bench. The dynamics are also changing for Tucker and Bamba; both are viewed as potential buyout candidates due to their expiring contracts, which could benefit them as well as the teams involved post-trade deadline.
Even though Mills will not be available for the upcoming game against the Toronto Raptors, as confirmed earlier on Twitter, fans are optimistic about his role moving forward. For many Australian basketball fans, Mills is still considered one of the prominent figures, with his career now spanning 16 seasons and counting.
With the trade executed, the outlook for the Clippers intensifies. They are working to not just maintain their playoff position but to secure home-court advantage as well. Positioning themselves strategically at the trade deadline with more depth will be key to their ambitions. Having acquired seasoned players like Mills and Eubanks, the Clippers are making clear their intention to stay competitive within the fiercely challenging Western Conference framework.
The Clippers' move reflects broader NBA trends as teams prepare for the second half of the season, balancing immediate needs and long-term flexibility. The focus now shifts to how well these new additions will integrate and whether they can help propel the Clippers to the next phase of their season.
This trade demonstrates the basketball team’s commitment not only to their current roster but also to their aspirations of bypassing the early playoff rounds. With the trade deadline looming, fans and analysts alike will closely watch the Clippers for any additional moves as they attempt to secure their potential success.