Jason Burgos
The Los Angeles Clippers took a big risk before this year’s NBA trade deadline when they traded talented and affordable center Ivica Zubac for the Indiana Pacers‘ first-round pick. The risk was in the fact that the pick was top four protected, and with one of the worst records in the league, Indy had a great chance of landing among the first four spots.
But they didn’t. They ended up with the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft lottery, which means the Clippers will now pick at five next month. Or maybe not. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, LA has a lot of options, and he suggested trading the pick to get a star to pair with Kawhi Leonard next year is not out of the question.
With that in mind, let’s look at some potential trade ideas if the Clippers considered moving the No. 5 pick for short and long-term gains.
Atlanta Hawks picks at No. 8 and 23
The Clippers could definitely use the No. 5 pick in a trade for a proven star. But what if they took an NFL-style approach and looked to get more picks in Round 1? Many believe the 2026 class is one of the best in a very long time, so if there was a year to move down and get more picks, it is this one.
The Atlanta Hawks have a pair of picks at eight and 23. Moving back just three slots and getting another selection in the top 25 to have two shots at landing potential stars is not a bad idea for a team with just one obvious star, who is always an injury waiting to happen.
Donovan Mitchell
On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers could punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals with a win over the Detroit Pistons. If they don’t, and Donovan Mitchell doesn’t sign the max extension he will be eligible for this summer, there has been speculation that the Cavs could trade the seven-time All-Star.
While the fifth pick won’t be enough to get Mitchell, it is a great starting point that would certainly entice Cleveland. They could use the selection to get a cheaper replacement for the guard, and the Clippers would have a very interesting one-two, Leonard-Mitchell, punch next season.
Paolo Banchero
Another route the Clippers could go would be to dangle the No. 5 pick in front of the Orlando Magic and see if that could be part of a trade package for forward Paolo Banchero. It just feels like Banchero and the Magic’s relationship has run its course after blowing a 3-1 lead over the Pistons in the opening round of the playoffs.
A combo with Leonard would be strong, but Banchero would also give them a piece to build around long-term after Leonard is long gone.
Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi
Over the last two seasons, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has emerged as one of the rising young stars in the league. While NO has been hesitant to trade him, after another bad season, moving him for the No. 5 pick in June would be a return worth pulling the trigger on.
While the 25-year-old has a ton of upside and is signed for three more seasons, the Pelicans should also throw center Yves Missi into the deal to give the Clippers a nice replacement for Zubac next season.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s picks at 12 and 17, plus Isaiah Joe
One last option for the Clippers, if they traded the No. 5 pick, would be for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s selections at 12 and 17 in Round 1. OKC doesn’t have many roster spots, so they need to move picks and players. Moving two selections and backup guard Isaiah Joe would open up spots and get them another elite prospect to go with their young core.
The trade would get the Clippers two top 20 prospects and a good, young reserve guard in Joe. Those three players could be a part of LA’s new core going forward.
