Though the LA Clippers' ownership and executives were not among the favorites for the first overall pick, which was given to the Dallas Mavericks, they still have a phenomenal opportunity to turn their future around.
It will not be used for Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper, but the Clippers have a first in the 2025 NBA Draft. In fact, the pick has been finalized at 30th overall, which is the last in the draft. This is a swap from the painful trade made in 2019 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
LA also has a second-round pick a bit further down. This spot, at 51st overall, is often overlooked as it is one of the last ten selections in the second. However, stars chosen late have succeeded, proving the Clippers still have the free will to unlock their future.
Moreover, due to the weaknesses of LA's developmental program, the front office may be inclined to ship what they have this summer in a higher power move for a marquee name.
This puts a spin on their situation after the lottery, boosting their chances of success next season.
The LA Clippers' dream power forward could be acquired from the Brooklyn Nets with draft capital and a veteran
Any draft pick the LA Clippers have through the era with Kawhi Leonard should be used to trade. They could be maximized to construct the future, but LA has a superstar-loaded team that has failed at winning a first-round series three seasons in a row. The head coach, Tyronn Lue, also does not prioritize development.
Furthermore, the Clippers keeping picks 30 and 51 would be senseless if they could combine them for a guy like Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. He is the perfect floor spacer for Lue, and he also plays power forward, which elevates LA's front-court.
Adding a competent, six-foot-eight forward in Johnson will not be cheap, as the Clippers must send their first and second this year, and their first in 2031. They would also throw in Bogdan Bogdanović to balance the finances.
In the rotation, Johnson moves Leonard to the small forward position, where he is in a safer spot to avoid injury.
That said, the UNC product is 29 years old in a system that is rebuilding its arsenal. He does not necessarily belong, and LA has the veteran and picks to make a draft-day trade with Brooklyn.