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Los Angeles Clippers’ Final Comprehensive 2018 NBA Draft Guide

By Ryan Snellings

CHICAGO - MAY 15: NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum awards the LA Clippers the number thirteenth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft during the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery at the Palmer House Hotel on May 15, 2018 in Chicago Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO - MAY 15: NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum awards the LA Clippers the number thirteenth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft during the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery at the Palmer House Hotel on May 15, 2018 in Chicago Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Getting a Star

This route is the most unlikely of the three. The Clippers do have two lottery picks, but outside of those and Tobias Harris, they don’t have much that other teams will be after. Tobias would be a tough piece to lose, especially at only 25 years old. There’s also the possibility that Lou Williams’ team friendly contract could be shopped, but nothing official has come out regarding that either.

There are some small trades that the Clippers could make, but they may not really move the needle unless coupled with a star player.

Kawhi

That hasn’t stopped the team from looking though, especially with the recent Kawhi Leonard development.

Kawhi will likely be moved at some point this summer, but no one knows what kind of price he will bring. The Clips would likely have to move both picks, for which they would have to take San Antonio’s first round pick back. The Spurs would also likely ask for the likes of Tobias Harris. The other option would be to involve DeAndre Jordan with a sign-and-trade, but that requires his consent.

The Kawhi Leonard issue seems even less likely now that reports have come out stating the Clippers, along with the Lakers, are nervous about the forward’s injury.

Others

Outside of Leonard, there are a few other possibilities that the team could explore. The Blazers’ CJ McCollum has garnered some trade whispers. Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets will also likely be moved at some point. The Clippers will obviously make inquiries about the availability of players as the season goes, but nothing seems imminent.

The main “other” to keep track of is LeBron James. The team is reportedly waiting on him during free agency, which will occur after the draft, but that doesn’t mean the Clips wouldn’t move both of their shiny new draft picks should he decide to join the team. It’s not likely, but still worth watching as the league stands still.

Draft Night

There may be some breaking news from the time of publishing and the draft. Keep checking back with us on Twitter and here for any and all Los Angeles Clippers’ news!