The LA Clippers have been one of the focal points of this NBA summer. The results of the Kawhi Leonard investigation put the team in an absolutely brutal position, as they will have to forfeit five future first-round picks. And, in turn, they could end up considering a Darius Garland deal to help them recoup draft assets. But that could be a blessing in disguise for Keaton Wagler.
The Clippers drafted Wagler with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He’s very young and has a lot of work to do, but he has all the potential in the world. It could be good for him to play alongside a guard like Garland, but if the Clippers end up trading him in the next couple of years, it would force them to throw Wagler into the fire.
If Wagler gets to play behind Garland for a bit and then step into a larger ball-handling role after the Clippers potentially trade him, that would be a pretty ideal situation.
Post-Kawhi Leonard trade plans could help Keaton Wagler
Last year, the Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Garland. It was their way of getting younger and, in theory, resetting the organization a little bit.
Garland hasn’t been at his best in recent years, but at his peak, he’s an elite playmaker and a solid creator from behind the three-point line. And at just 26 years old, he still has plenty of room to grow and improve.
But then, in this summer’s draft, the Clippers selected Wagler. He is a 6-foot-6 guard who can pass, shoot, and score. Again, however, he’s young. He still has work to do.
That’s why this Leonard situation could end up working out for him. Because now, the Clippers could look to be making some trades to help refill their draft cabinet.
Garland could be one of the first guys to go. For one, because he could bring back a solid return because of his talent, but also because the Clippers aren’t in a position to win in the short-term, anyway.
So, in that timeline – the one in which the Clippers keep Garland in the short-term and eventually trade him in the next year or so – would really help Wagler.
He could spend some learning from Garland, soaking up all the knowledge he can from the All-Star point guard. Then, as soon as the Clippers trade Garland, Wagler can step into a role in which he gets to handle the ball more.
If the Clippers follow that pattern in the post-Leonard scandal world, it could end up being a great situation for Wagler.
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