Now or Never: Clippers Reload with Star-Studded, Veteran Roster
The Los Angeles Clippers go into the 2025–26 NBA season with one of the most fascinating rosters in the league. This unique roster blending star power, veteran savvy, and a win-now urgency makes them one of the most unique contenders in the Western Conference. After another disappointing playoff exit, the front office made bold moves this offseason, reworking the roster with a mix of blockbuster signings, trades, and a surprising reunion. The result is the oldest roster in NBA history, with an average age of 33.2 years, but one that is stacked with experience and championship aspirations.
The core of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden remains solid, even though both stars are now on the back end of their careers. Leonard, 34, still provides two-way dominance when healthy, while Harden, 36, continues to lead the offense as one of the league’s most creative playmakers. Their championship window seemed to be closing, but the Clippers doubled down by adding more veteran firepower. The biggest splash was the signing of Bradley Beal, a 32-year-old scoring guard who finally joins forces with Harden. Beal’s ability to stretch defenses and score in isolation gives Coach Tyronn Lue another proven weapon, easing the workload on Leonard and Harden.
Perhaps the most surprising move was the return of Chris Paul, who signed on a veteran-minimum deal at age 40. The former Clippers point guard brings leadership, floor management, and tons of playoff experience. His reunion with the franchise that drafted him adds a nostalgic but practical piece to the puzzle. The Clippers also fixed their long-standing need at power forward by getting John Collins in a three-team trade, giving them athleticism and rebounding inside. Along with Ivica Zubac and newly signed Brook Lopez, the frontcourt now has both size and versatility.
The bench is equally loaded with experienced contributors. Nicolas Batum, Bogdan Bogdanović, Kris Dunn, and Derrick Jones Jr. provide defensive flexibility and shooting depth. Meanwhile, the youth movement featuring Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, and rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser will likely have limited roles but represent developmental upside. With the oldest roster ever assembled, health will be the Clippers’ most significant question mark. If Leonard and Paul remain durable and Beal works with Harden, this veteran-heavy squad has the talent, IQ, and depth to challenge anyone in the West. The Clippers aren’t thinking about the future—they’re all in on winning now.
