RealGM Basketball Wiretap

12 February 2026

• Clippers Shift Strategy After Determining 2027 Cap Space Won't Attract Stars

  The Los Angeles Clippers' recent trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac stem from a strategic conclusion that cap space won't attract elite talent in 2027. The front office recognized that true star players rarely reach free agency due to changes made to the ease of extensions, prompting a shift toward asset accumulation.

  Recent transaction history supports the Clippers' assessment. Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram all switched teams through trades rather than signing as unrestricted free agents.

  The Clippers acquired Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Harden deal, landing a backcourt piece 10 years younger than the former MVP. The move positions the franchise for life after Kawhi Leonard's eventual departure.

  The Zubac transaction netted two first-round picks and Bennedict Mathurin from the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers' well-documented interest in centers created leverage for the Clippers to extract premium compensation.

  Draft capital holds exceptional value given Los Angeles' depleted pick inventory. The franchise owns no first-round selections outright until 2030 due to previous transactions for Paul George and Harden.

  The Oklahoma City Thunder control the Clippers' 2026 first-rounder outright. The Thunder also possess swap rights on the 2027 selection, while the Philadelphia 76ers own the unprotected 2028 pick with swap rights in 2029.

  The incoming Indiana picks provide ammunition for future star-level trades. Los Angeles views draft assets as more practical currency than cap space when pursuing top-tier talent. As evidenced by the ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo situation, he will likely be either signed by the Milwaukee Bucks to an extension, or traded and then re-signed by his next team rather than holding an open free agency that became commonplace in 2010 and 2014 with LeBron James, in 2016 and 2019 with Kevin Durant, and in 2019 with Leonard.

• Pacers Also Had Trade Interest In Jarrett Allen, Onyeka Okongwu

  In addition to Ivica Zubac, the Indiana Pacers also targeted centers Jarrett Allen and Onyeka Okongwu ahead of the trade deadline. The Pacers acquired Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers as they hope to return title contention next season when Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles injury.

  Allen is signed through the 2029 offseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers on his three-year, $90 million extension.

  Okongwu is only 24 and is on a four-year salary worth $15.5 million per season on average with the Atlanta Hawks.

  Zubac has an annual average of $19.6 million, making him one of the NBA's most affordable centers.

• Lawrence Frank Addresses Clippers Trades, Kawhi Leonard Probe Status

  The LA Clippers orchestrated major roster moves last week despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the NBA's investigation into Kawhi Leonard, with team president Lawrence Frank insisting the probe hasn't influenced basketball operations.

  Frank confirmed Monday that the organization has received no updates since September regarding the investigation. The league is examining allegations that the Clippers violated salary cap regulations through a $28 million endorsement agreement between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a defunct California sustainability firm.

  "We very much feel the same thing that we told you back in September, that we're on the right side of this," Frank stated. "It really doesn't impact anything we do on a daily basis."

  The Clippers sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in separate deals despite winning 19 of their previous 25 games. Los Angeles acquired Darius Garland for Harden, while obtaining fourth-year wing Bennedict Mathurin and two first-rounds picks for Zubac.

  Frank revealed the transactions weren't initially planned. Cleveland initiated contact about Harden, while Indiana presented what he described as a "Godfather-type offer" for Zubac.

  The Zubac departure proved especially difficult for the organization. The longest-tenured active Clipper spent six to eight hours at the practice facility saying farewell to teammates and staff following the trade announcement.

  "There were a lot of tears," Frank said. "It's hard because we all know what Zu means to us."

  Frank characterized the Harden trade as an opportunity to remain competitive while reducing the roster's average age. The 36-year-old guard had shouldered significant minutes during Leonard's injury absences.

  Leonard reportedly expressed disappointment about both transactions but remains supportive of the front office's direction, according to Frank.

• How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, RSNs, livestream providers, international coverage

  On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Houston Rockets will host the Los Angeles Clippers at the Toyota Center in a matchup that encapsulates the current volatility of the league.

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  This contest, scheduled for a primetime tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT), serves as a critical junction for two franchises operating on divergent timelines: a Rockets squad fueled by the synergistic brilliance of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, and a Clippers team navigating the aftermath of a seismic trade-deadline pivot.

  The Houston Rockets enter the February 10 matchup with a 32-19 record, positioning them as a formidable contender for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. This success is rooted in a deliberate tactical shift overseen by head coach Ime Udoka, who has prioritized defensive cohesion and an accelerated transition game. The arrival of Kevin Durant in 2025 fundamentally altered the Rockets' ceiling, providing a hyper-efficient scoring engine that balances the development of the team's younger core. Durant, now 37, continues to defy traditional aging curves, averaging 26.0 points per game with a field goal percentage of 50.9% and a three-point efficiency of 40.4%. His presence has created significant gravity, allowing players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson to operate with more space and fewer double-teams.

  The Los Angeles Clippers arrive at the Toyota Center with a 24-27 record, currently occupying the 10th spot in the Western Conference as they navigate a period of intense recalibration. The franchise's 2025-2026 campaign has been defined by significant upheaval, beginning with a league investigation into the contract of Kawhi Leonard and the 25-game suspension of Paul George for violating the league's anti-drug policy. George's absence has removed a critical secondary scorer and two-way wing option from the rotation, placing an immense burden on Kawhi Leonard to anchor the offense. Leonard has responded by playing some of the most consistent basketball of his career, averaging 27.7 points and 2.1 steals per game, including a 31-point masterclass in a recent victory over the Sacramento Kings.

  How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  The game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets will be featured nationally on NBA TV. This national window provides out-of-market viewers with a comprehensive telecast that includes high-definition production and expert analysis. The national broadcast is particularly significant as it offers a broader platform to discuss the Clippers' recent roster upheaval, specifically the departure of James Harden and the acquisition of Darius Garland. National viewers can expect a focus on the league-wide implications of these moves as the trade deadline passes and teams solidify their rotations for the postseason push.

  For fans within the Houston metropolitan area and the surrounding regions-including Southeast Texas, parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico-the definitive home for the broadcast is the Space City Home Network (SCHN). As the primary RSN for the Houston Rockets, SCHN provides localized commentary, in-depth pre-game shows, and exclusive player interviews that offer a granular look at the team's development under head coach Ime Udoka. The local telecast on SCHN is essential for in-market viewers, as regional blackout restrictions typically apply to national feeds and out-of-market streaming services like NBA League Pass.In the Los Angeles market, the game will be carried by FanDuel Sports Network SoCal (formerly Bally Sports). The rebranding of the network in late 2025 has led to a more integrated viewing experience that often incorporates real-time statistical overlays and betting insights.

  In the Detroit market, fans continue to rely on the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSDET), the rebranded successor to the Bally Sports era. This network provides the primary terrestrial and cable coverage for Pistons fans within the designated home market. Similarly, the Charlotte market is served by FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSN SE-CHA). The integration of the FanDuel brand into the RSN landscape reflects the deeper synthesis of sports betting and live broadcasting that has become a hallmark of the 2026 fan experience. Both games can be viewed via RSNs through Fubo. For those outside these local footprints, the primary viewing vehicle is NBA League Pass, which remains the central hub for out-of-market access.

  How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

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  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  The projected starting lineup for the Houston Rockets on February 10 is expected to emphasize length and playmaking versatility, despite several notable injuries. Amen Thompson is likely to start at the point guard position, flanked by the sharpshooting rookie Reed Sheppard at the shooting guard spot. The frontcourt will be anchored by superstar Kevin Durant at small forward and Jabari Smith Jr. at power forward, with the All-Star Alperen Sengun starting at center. This unit provides a blend of elite shot-creation and interior dominance, though the bench will be relied upon heavily as Fred VanVleet remains out with a torn ACL and Steven Adams continues his recovery from ankle surgery. Jae'Sean Tate is listed as a game-time decision, and his return from a wrist contusion could provide a necessary defensive spark for the Rockets' secondary units.

  For the Los Angeles Clippers, the starting lineup remains in a state of flux following the trade deadline and the ongoing suspension of Paul George. Kris Dunn is expected to continue his role as the starting point guard, providing elite point-of-attack defense, while the rookie Kobe Sanders is projected to start at the shooting guard position after being promoted to a standard NBA contract. Kawhi Leonard will anchor the team at small forward, joined by John Collins at power forward and the veteran Brook Lopez at center. The Clippers' rotation will be significantly shorter than usual, as Darius Garland remains out with a toe injury and recent acquisitions Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson are still integrating into the team's tactical schemes. Furthermore, the Clippers will be without Bradley Beal and Bogdan Bogdanovic, placing an even higher emphasis on the bench production of Jordan Miller and the veteran presence of Nicolas Batum.

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  Head-to-Head Series History

  The historical rivalry between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers is one of the most balanced in the Western Conference over the last decade, though Houston holds the all-time regular-season advantage with a record of 129-93. In their most recent ten encounters, the two teams have split the series evenly at 5-5, reflecting the narrow competitive margins that often define their matchups.

  The Rockets enter the February 10 game with a superior overall record of 32-19 compared to the Clippers' 24-27, but the Clippers have shown resilience on the road, recently securing three consecutive road victories behind the scoring of Kawhi Leonard. Offensively, the Rockets boast a significant advantage in playmaking and interior scoring, ranking 4th in the league in net rating and 7th in three-point percentage at 37.0%.

  The Clippers, meanwhile, have struggled with consistency in the wake of the James Harden trade, showing vulnerability in blowout scenarios where their lack of consistent second and third scoring options has been exposed. Statistical leaders for the season include Kevin Durant with 26.0 points per game for Houston and Kawhi Leonard with 27.7 points for Los Angeles, setting the stage for a high-level individual duel between two of the league's premier forwards.

• Multiple Teams Made Trade Calls On Kawhi Leonard After Clippers' Ivica Zubac Deal

  Multiple teams contacted the LA Clippers about Kawhi Leonard during the final hour before last Thursday's trade deadline, league sources told The Stein Line. The inquiries arrived after news spread leaguewide that Los Angeles had agreed to send Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers.

  Los Angeles rejected the incoming interest in Leonard. The Clippers' decision to trade Zubac and James Harden despite a recent 17-4 run has left rival organizations questioning the franchise's direction.

  Leonard has one remaining season on his current deal worth $50.3 million before reaching free agency. The forward turns 35 in June and is represented by Mitch Frankel.

  Teams are expected to renew trade efforts for Leonard in June. The 34-year-old has delivered some of the finest performances of his career this season.

  Leonard is averaging 28.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 39 games this season. His True Shooting Percentage stands at .623 with a PER of 27.4.

  The PER mark represents Leonard's highest figure since the 2016-17 campaign. That season, he finished third in MVP voting during one of the most competitive award races in league history.

  The Clippers' unexpected roster moves have created uncertainty around Leonard's future in Los Angeles. The team's willingness to part with key contributors while enjoying success has sparked questions about their long-term plans.

• Clippers Convert Kobe Sanders To Standard NBA Contract

  The Los Angeles Clippers are converting Kobe Sanders from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, sources told Chris Haynes.

  The contract includes a team option for next season.

  Sanders, who was selected with the No. 50 pick in the 2025 draft, is averaging 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds on the year.

• Clippers Never Had 'Serious' Discussions Over Trading Kawhi Leonard; Leonard To Assess Situation This Summer

  The Los Angeles Clippers never engaged in any serious discussions over trading Kawhi Leonard, sources told Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime.

  "Teams were calling and trying to see if they could pry Kawhi away, but I was told that the Clippers never reached a point where anything was serious," according to Haynes.

  Haynes added that Leonard is also taking a wait-and-see approach to signing a contract extension.

  Leonard's contract runs through the 2026-27 season.

  "I was told from Kawhi's camp that they are not in any rush to initiate extension talks... Kawhi's focus is on finishing this season strong and in the summer, they will assess where things stand," added Haynes.

  Leonard is averaging 27.7 points and 6.2 rebounds this season.

• Dalano Banton, Clippers Agree To 10-Day Contract

  The Los Angeles Clippers signed Dalano Banton to a 10-day contract, sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

  The 26-year-old averaged 8.3 points and 2.4 assists last year with the Blazers.

  The Clippers made several moves at the trade deadline, including acquiring Darius Garland from the Cavs and trading Ivica Zubac to the Pacers.

• Ivica Zubac Playing Through Ankle Injury, Out Until He's 'Really Ready'

  Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said that newly-acquired center Ivica Zubac has been dealing with an ankle injury and won't play until he's fully healthy.

  "It's kind of yo-yo'd a little bit," Carlisle said on Friday. "My understanding from talking to him is that there's still something there that's not quite right. We're not going to put him out there until he's really ready."

  The Pacers acquired Zubac and Kobe Brown on Thursday.

  Zubac, who is currently on paternity leave, has played in 43 games this season.

  "He's a guy that has played 94 or 95 percent of his games through his career and I'm presuming that's because he's always raring to go through things," Carlisle said. "That's not going to be an option here."

  The Pacers have the second-worst record in the league at 13-39.

• James Harden's Contract Dispute, Rejected Rockets Return Led To Cavaliers Trade

  James Harden pursued a reunion with the Houston Rockets for the second time in almost three years before accepting a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told ESPN. The 36-year-old's interest in returning to his former team was rebuffed, leading to his eventual departure from the Los Angeles Clippers

  Harden's representatives gauged interest from potential destinations as the LA Clippers struggled this season. The 11-time All-Star wanted to reunite with Houston, a natural fit after point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL before the season. The Rockets showed little interest in their former MVP, which marks Harden's second unsuccessful attempt to rejoin Houston. He hoped to return to the Rockets in 2023 before they hired Ime Udoka as head coach and changed course by signing VanVleet.

  The genesis of Harden's exit stemmed from contract disappointment during the offseason. Los Angeles told Harden it felt uncomfortable guaranteeing him more than the $39.2 million he earned this season because of his age and the team's preference for financial flexibility.

  Harden felt he deserved an extension similar to the two-year, $111 million deal the Golden State Warriors gave Jimmy Butler, who is the same age. Sources close to Harden say he believed he reestablished himself as an All-Star after averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds while earning third-team All-NBA honors.

  Still wanting to remain in his hometown, Harden accepted a contract in which only $13.8 million of the $42.3 million due in the second year would be guaranteed. The deal included a player option and trade veto rights as protection.

  The Clippers sputtered to a 6-21 record by Dec. 20, trailing only New Orleans and Washington in the standings. Teams around the league began calling about Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac as losses mounted.

  "It made sense for both sides," Harden told ESPN of the trade. "I didn't want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital."

  Cleveland emerged as the primary suitor. The Cavaliers were intrigued to see how Harden could elevate big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen while taking pressure off Donovan Mitchell.

  Discussions softened as the Clippers attempted to resurrect their season, winning 71 percent of games since Christmas Day. Reality eventually emerged for both franchises: Los Angeles couldn't sustain success, and Cleveland's roster wasn't built to contend.

  Talks escalated late last week as Thursday's deadline approached. Harden sat out games in Phoenix on Sunday and against Philadelphia on Monday as discussions intensified. He was listed as out for personal reasons, tipping off the league to his availability.

  Harden was spotted on the sideline at Arizona State as it hosted No. 1 Arizona on Sunday night, approximately 20 minutes from where his teammates played against the Suns.

  By Tuesday, Harden knew the trade would likely go through and decided not to veto it. He gave his goodbyes to staffers and players before leaving the facility.

  "In Cleveland, I see an opportunity to win in the East," Harden said. "They've got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So, as much as I wanted to stay in L.A. and give it a go -- I've never won one before."

  Harden said he will always wonder what could have been in Los Angeles had Leonard and Paul George stayed healthy during the playoffs.

  "In life, not even just basketball, when things don't work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to crack each other," Harden said. "Maybe we just don't see a future together. Maybe we just outgrew each other."

  Los Angeles acquired Darius Garland, a 26-year-old two-time All-Star, and a second-round pick in return. The Cavaliers decided their championship window needed to open immediately.