The Los Angeles Clippers did not have their own first-round pick heading into the trade deadline, though they ended up striking a trade to add some draft capital.
The Clippers moved off Ivica Zubac in a deal that saw them get the Indiana Pacers’ first-round pick in 2026 if it lands within the fifth and ninth selections.
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Los Angeles has a 52% chance of missing out on the pick and it remainign with Indiana, and a 48% chance of getting the selection at either the No. 5 or No. 6 spot.
However, even if the Clippers do not get the Pacers’ 2026 first, Indiana will give them their 2031 first-round pick.
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States talks to LA Clippers owner Steve Balmer during the third quarter between the Clippers and the Detroit Pistons at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Despite the Clippers sending up with a first-round pick no matter what happens, the urgency in getting a selection this year is that the 2026 NBA Draft can be one of the stronger classes in recent memory.
The Clippers’ own first-round pick is going to Oklahoma City, one of the remaining parts of the Paul George trade that has gone down as one of the worst trades.
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However, adding a top-six draft pick to the team can be a massive step towards getting back on the path to contention after they dealt both Zubac and James Harden at the deadline.
With possible serious consequences for the Clippers from the NBA, including the risk of losing draft capital, landing a high-upside, cost-controlled player at the top of the first round is crucial.
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