Keaton Wagler may not be Los Angeles' target.
The Los Angeles Clippers have a number of options ahead of them in the 2026 NBA Draft when they select at No. 5 and they have an equal number of needs to address in their roster as they continue what's already been a successful rebuild.
Since the day that their placement in the draft was revealed, there's been no shortage of mock drafts from all manner of outlets speculating on who the Clippers might select.
While the name's have changed from outlet to outlet, one consensus that has emerged is that the Clippers are likely more interested than not in picking up an impactful young guard. But, the guard they were widely believed to be interested in may no longer be the right fit if a recent report is to be believed.
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) controls the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesWagler Out of Favor
A recent mock draft from Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports has not only shifted which guard the Clippers may be interested, but he also declared that the Clippers are not "head over heels in love" with Keaton Wagler, a talented guard out of Illinois, at least not enough to use the No. 5 pick on him.
This is certainly shocking news considering that drafting Wagler has almost been a foregone conclusion for most that have been following draft rumors around the Clippers.
O'Connor didn't specify why exactly the Clippers aren't as impressed with Wagler, but he did add that Wagler's camp reportedly cancelled his workout with the Brooklyn Nets, who pick at six in the draft, making it seem like Wagler's destination could more plausibly be the Sacramento Kings.
In Wagler's place, O'Connor proposed Mikel Brown Jr. to be the Clippers' pick at fifth-overall.
Is Brown Jr. the Answer?
Brown Jr. would be another huge get for Los Angeles. In one season at Louisville, Brown Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 41% from the field and 34.4% from three point range.
Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr (0) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) as head coach John Calipari watches during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 89-80. Nelson Chenault-Imagn ImagesIf the Clippers do end up drafting Brown Jr. as opposed to any other of the many talented guards that will be available early in the draft, it would obviously be an indication that they saw something in him that presents more upside for the future or could fit better into whatever future plans the Clippers may have.
For now, it's all speculation based on rumors and unnamed sources, but considering the critical point that the Clippers are at for the future of their organization, it's worth considering all angles and factors.
