Latest NBA rumors: Clippers, Kings, and Pelicans emerge as the major sellers in the market

Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans are appearing as the three franchises most likely to sell during the season, while the market begins to identify several stars as potential trade targets. The Clippers need to rebuild their draft assets after the NBA sanction, Sacramento is exploring the market for its veterans, and New Orleans could end up making Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones available.

This scenario opens up a particularly interesting season in the trade market. Rival teams are waiting for these three franchises to define their competitive goals, while some specific pieces, such as Darius Garland, Domantas Sabonis, or Jalen Duren, could lead to significant negotiations. In several cases, the issue is not the lack of interest, but rather finding the economic and sporting formula that allows operations to be unlocked.

The Clippers need to start recovering assets

The Clippers are probably the franchise with the greatest urgency to go to the market. After the sanction related to the investigation regarding Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles lost an extraordinary amount of future capital and now needs to rebuild its draft assets.

In this context, Darius Garland emerges as the player with the highest market value within the roster. The perception among rival franchises is that he could become a fairly likely candidate to be traded during the season, especially if the Clippers have a poor start.

The situation would be simple to interpret: if Los Angeles starts far from the playoff race, teams would come calling. Garland would then be the piece capable of generating the most significant return in the form of first-round picks and young talents.

For the Clippers, parting with their point guard would mean giving up immediate talent, but it could be essential to rebuild a reserve of assets that the franchise urgently needs.

Sacramento wants to sell, but Sabonis is blocking the market

The Kings are also being pointed out as one of the major potential sellers. Sacramento is exploring the market for its main veterans, but they are encountering a major problem: no one seems particularly willing to absorb Domantas Sabonis' contract.

The center still has $45.47 million guaranteed in 2026-27 and $48.61 million in 2027-28, a considerable burden for a franchise looking to change direction.

This situation is particularly relevant because Sacramento retains interest in Jalen Duren. The Detroit center would fit much better into the Kings' new competitive timeline due to his age, physicality, and defensive potential. Duren is coming off averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, in addition to being an All-Star and a member of the Third All-NBA Team.

The problem is that Sacramento currently doesn't find a clear way to turn Sabonis into the piece that unlocks the operation. Duren still holds the main leverage with the qualifying offer, while the Kings need to convince Detroit that the project and compensation justify parting with their young center.

The Pelicans can completely change the market

New Orleans is the third team generating buzz. The franchise has long kept Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones off the market, but the situation could change if the Pelicans conclude that they need to rebuild part of their roster.

Murphy would likely be one of the most sought-after players in the market if he were to become available. His combination of size, outside shooting, and scoring ability makes him a particularly attractive profile for any championship contender.

Jones, on the other hand, would have a different but equally high value due to his defensive impact and his ability to take on assignments against opposing stars. Having both players simultaneously in conversations would completely shift the market's balance.

Three sellers and several stars waiting for a destination

The current landscape leaves three different situations. The Clippers need assets, the Kings need to find an exit for significant contracts, and the Pelicans still need to decide how much of their young talent they are willing to sacrifice.

All of this may cause the market to remain relatively calm at the start and activate when the first competitive signals appear. If Los Angeles disappoints, Garland could become one of the main names. If Sacramento confirms that it needs to rebuild, its veterans will be scrutinized by the entire NBA. And if New Orleans finally opens the door to Murphy or Jones, competition will be immediate.

Conclusion: the 2026-27 season could see three major sellers waiting for their moment. The Clippers, Kings, and Pelicans have different reasons to listen to offers, but they share one circumstance: their decisions could trigger some of the most significant moves in the upcoming trade market. Meanwhile, names like Garland, Sabonis, Duren, Murphy, and Jones are already on the radar of numerous franchises.