If there’s one asset the LA Clippers have that fans feel is more valuable than the upcoming fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, it’s the Indiana Pacers’ 2029 unprotected first that was acquired at the Feb. deadline. No one wants it to leave LA’s possession, as it has the potential to be top-five. However, the Clippers should use it as a stepping stone (along with other capital) to trade up into the top ten, particularly with the Dallas Mavericks next month, and select Aday Mara.
This would be the dream. How so? Well, it puts the Clippers in the prime position to end draft night with Mara and Keaton Wagler, a player many view as a great fit in LA. These are two guys who have a high chance of being the face of the franchise for at least the next decade.
So, although it would be a prominent risk departing with a high-value pick, it’s one that’s smart to take at this point in time.
Adding Wagler and Mara will do wonders, making it worth trading the Pacers' 2029 pick
The Indiana Pacers’ 2029 first may be borderline untouchable, but if there’s a time to use it to help the franchise out long term, it’s now, as many experts have labeled the 2026 draft class to be generational for months now.
That said, with Keaton Wagler expected to be available at fifth overall and taken by the LA Clippers, selecting Aday Mara four spots later is everything the organization needs.
Claiming Mara has serious star capabilities feels like an understatement. He’s a block machine who understands how to defend among the best in the NBA, as seen on his film for the Michigan Wolverines, and is a cheat code on the offensive side of the ball around the rim.
For reference, he shot 68% on two-pointers last season, with a block average of 2.6 (and a nation-leading block percentage of 12.0), and was one of the key reasons Michigan won the National Championship.
Therefore, it’s easily one of the best outcomes imaginable to roster him and Wagler as rookies, alongside guys like Darius Garland, Jordan Miller, Bennedict Mathurin (if resigned), and more next season.
The brightness of a core like this gleams brighter than the shiniest of diamonds and could quickly boost the Clippers into the next long-term threat in the Western Conference.
Doesn’t that sound amazing?
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