The LA Clippers missed their chance to draft Joan Beringer as the Paul George trade further penalized them. LA acquired the 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft from the Heat in the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade back in 2019 but quickly shipped it to OKC for George. It was another missed opportunity and forced the franchise to take a massive gamble on Yanic Konan Niederhauser with the 30th overall pick.
Beringer was drafted 17th overall by the Timberwolves. The 6’11 big man is still learning how to play basketball, but could easily be the best shot-blocker in this class. He would give the Clippers Ivica Zubac insurance and allow them duo to play 48 quality minutes at the five if he reaches his ceiling.
LA could have made this pick and kept him out of Minnesota if they did not go all-in to land George. It meant getting Kawhi Leonard too, but the risky gamble did not pay off for the Clippers.
Clippers’ dream draft target goes elsewhere thanks to Paul George trade
LA desperately needs youth and upside. Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr. are their only current rotation players under 31 years old. Getting an 18-year-old with immense upside would have been ideal for the Clippers, especially as they must begin focusing on the post-Kawhi era.
Beringer averaged 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in just 18.8 minutes per game this season for KK Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia. Playing against professional competition should have Beringer more ready for the NBA. There are no guarantees he will reach his ceiling, but the Clippers would love to be the franchise developing him.
LA gave up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, five first-round picks, and two swaps to get Paul George. The Thunder drafted Jalen Williams with one of the selections from this deal and built a young championship roster. They will forever have the Clippers to thank for opening the door.
This nightmare trade seemingly gets worse by the day. If it not watching the Thunder dominate, Clippers fans have to live with OKC stealing another draft pick to add to the deepest roster in the NBA. It is certainly the downside of going all-in. The Clippers made the conference finals in 2021, but sadly, couldn’t get a ring with PG and Kawhi.
The LA Clippers got a big man in the 2025 draft. They plan on staying competitive, but things could go downhill fast with an aging roster. It will make the PG trade that much worse, but the Clippers went for it. Fans should be happy they tried and encourage the franchise to do it again. Even if it is painful watching talent get away. That is life in the NBA, whether fans like it not.