The LA Clippers took a calculated gamble before this year's NBA trade deadline, sending talented young center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a first-round pick. The catch? That pick came with top-four protection, meaning the Clippers would only get it if the Pacers landed outside the draft lottery's top spots. With Indiana holding one of the league's worst records, it seemed like a long shot. But fortune smiled on LA: the Pacers ended up with the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft lottery, and now the Clippers are sitting pretty with a top-five selection next month. Or are they?
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Clippers are keeping their options wide open. Rumors are swirling that LA might not even use the pick, instead packaging it in a blockbuster trade to bring in a superstar to pair with Kawhi Leonard. For a team that's always looking to compete at the highest level, this makes perfect sense. So, let's break down nine potential targets the Clippers could pursue if they decide to move the No. 5 pick for both short-term wins and long-term gains.
One intriguing approach would be to take a page out of the NFL playbook and trade down for more assets. The 2026 draft class is already being hyped as one of the deepest in years, so if there's ever a season to stockpile picks, this is it. The Atlanta Hawks, for example, hold two first-round selections at No. 8 and No. 23. Moving back just three spots while picking up an extra top-25 pick could give LA two chances to land future stars—a smart play for a team with only one clear superstar, who also carries an injury history.
Of course, the most exciting scenario involves a proven All-Star. The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the verge of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, but if they fall short and Donovan Mitchell declines the max extension he's eligible for this summer, trade rumors will heat up fast. While the No. 5 pick alone won't be enough to land a seven-time All-Star like Mitchell, it's a fantastic starting point that would certainly grab Cleveland's attention. The Cavs could use the selection to find a cheaper replacement at guard, while the Clippers would instantly form a devastating Leonard-Mitchell duo that could shake up the Western Conference.
From a jersey-and-gear perspective, imagine the buzz around a Clippers team featuring both Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell. The merchandise potential alone would be massive, with fans eager to rep their new favorite squad. Whether LA stays put at No. 5 or swings for the fences, this draft season just got a whole lot more interesting for Clippers Nation.