The Los Angeles Clippers have multiple options in the 2026 NBA Draft, but a trade-down scenario could be a realistic approach. With the No. 5 pick, they can build a contender around Kawhi Leonard or take a step back to rebuild. The top four picks are expected to be Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson. However, the Clippers don't desperately need a lead guard, and drafting one with defensive deficiencies may not be the best route. This makes trading down a possibility, allowing them to acquire more future assets. A potential trade partner is the Atlanta Hawks, who have the No. 8 and No. 23 picks. They need a true point guard and could be interested in trading up to get one of the top lead guard prospects. The Clippers can package their two first-rounders to move up to the fifth-overall pick, while the Hawks would add the 23rd-overall pick to move up three spots. This scenario would allow the Clippers to add more future assets and still draft an elite prospect. They can then use the 23rd-overall pick to take a high-risk, high-upside player like Jayden Quaintance or draft an NBA-ready prospect like Henri Veesaar. The Clippers also have the No. 36 and No. 52 picks, which they can use to make further moves on draft night. GM Lawrence Frank is known to leave no stone unturned, and he will certainly be busy in the lead-up and during the draft.
Club News · 2 min read
Los Angeles Clippers Trade Down in NBA Draft for Future Assets
·2026-06-17·2 min read
