What do you think of this mock trade that gives the LA Clippers the number one pick?
The Los Angeles Clippers hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Clippers, who finished the regular season 42-40, were eliminated in the play-in tournament.
After a midseason trade with the Indiana Pacers in which the Clippers received a top-four protected first-round pick, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, Isaiah Jackson, and Bennedict Mathurin in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown, Los Angeles lucked out and received the fifth overall pick.
While the Clippers are set up in a position to get a player in the draft who can have an immediate impact on the team, they also have some flexibility to move up in the draft order if they choose to. A recent article by Bleacher Report shows a hypothetical four-team trade that sends the number one pick to Los Angeles.
What the Mock Trade Consists Of
Neville E. Guard-Imagn ImagesTo start, the Clippers receive the number one overall pick from the Washington Wizards and Jimmy Butler III from the Golden State Warriors.
The Washington Wizards receive Memphis' number three overall pick as well as Indiana's 2029 first-round pick (via LAC).
The Golden State Warriors receive Bradley Beal and Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers.
The Memphis Grizzlies receive the number 5 overall pick from the Clippers and the number 11 overall pick from the Golden State Warriors.
What's In It For the Clippers?
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesIf the Clippers really want to hit the reset button, this move feels like a high-risk, high-reward situation. Dan Favale of Bleacher Report wrote that there is a noticeable drop-off in the quality of prospects after the top four picks.
This move would also give the Clippers some financial flexibility. Kawhi Leonard is set to make $50 million in 2026, and though the trade sends Jimmy Butler III to Los Angeles, they can move off his contract and build around a player on a rookie contract.
Ultimately, this move sets up the Clippers to invest in assembling a younger roster around a top prospect, a shift in direction from a franchise that has been in "win now" mode for the last 7 seasons.
Who Would the Clippers Select?
Aaron Baker-Imagn ImagesMost mock drafts have BYU forward AJ Dybantsa going number one overall in this year's draft to the Washington Wizards. Dybantsa brings size and versatility to the table.
A lot of the Clippers success in recent years has been dependent on the play of their forwards. Kahwhi Leonard has played a pivotal role for the franchise and Dybantsa's length and explosiveness can add a fresh identity to the team, while also keeping a similar scheme to win.
