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Could the LA Clippers Trade Into the First Round? Three Possible Deals

By Ethan Smith

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: A general view of the Official @NBA Spalding Basketball inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: A general view of the Official @NBA Spalding Basketball inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – JANUARY 5: Guard RJ Williams #23 of the Boise State Broncos and forward Jalen McDaniels #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs work in the key during first half action on January 5, 2019 at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 88-64. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – JANUARY 5: Guard RJ Williams #23 of the Boise State Broncos and forward Jalen McDaniels #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs work in the key during first half action on January 5, 2019 at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 88-64. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Clippers Trade for Final Pick in First Round(Slated to Be Milwaukee)

This trade plays safe to the chest for the Clippers. By giving away no players, the Clippers acquire the last pick in the first round from the defending champions and trade up because they see talent on the board that they like.

For the other side, the defending champions, whoever it may be, feel no need to add young talent to their squad and acquire two second rounders and another one for future endeavors.

Who Would the Clippers Target?

Well, at pick 30, there will be a multitude of options as this draft isn’t very deep.

A pick that I would like the Clippers to make at 30 may be a reach but a good reach at that in the form of San Diego State F Jalen McDaniels.

The Clippers need size on their roster with most of the their lineups featuring Landry Shamet playing the three at 6’5″. McDaniels is 6’10” so he would easily change that narrative.

McDaniels never got much press due to his college of choice but he had a solid two-year career with the Aztecs. McDaniels averaged 15.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 2.1 APG in his sophomore season, all increases from his freshman year.

McDaniels would not be asked to have a huge role right away, giving him time to progress through the G-League and possibly learn from Clippers hopeful Kawhi Leonard and current Clippers Danilo Gallinari and JaMychal Green.

Other Options With This Possible Pick

  • F Louis King(Oregon)
  • C Daniel Gafford(Arkansas)
  • C Nic Claxton(UGA)
  • G Ty Jerome(UVA)
  • G Shamorie Ponds(St. John’s)

How Likely Is This Trade?

Likely. Teams don’t usually mind trading that late in the first round, especially for three-second round picks. Would the Clippers just wait a few selections and possibly get the same value? Maybe, but it is enticing to trade up to get the player you want.