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Clippers rumors: NBA Draft trade buzz still churning amid Mikel Brown Jr. hype
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- Clippers rumors: NBA Draft trade buzz still churning amid Mikel Brown Jr. hype
Clippers rumors: NBA Draft trade buzz still churning amid Mikel Brown Jr. hype appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
With the 2026 NBA Draft set for June 23-24 , the Los Angeles Clippers continue to emerge as one of the most intriguing team s in the lottery. While the organization holds the No. 5 overall pick, multiple reports suggest the Clippers remain a potential trade-down candidate as interest in Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. continues to grow around the league.
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According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, league executives widely view Los Angeles as the team most likely to move down from its current draft position.
"The Clippers are widely considered by league sources as the most likely team to trade down in this range," O'Connor wrote.
O'Connor noted that Brown has become one of the most frequently linked prospects to teams interested in moving up the board. The guard has drawn praise for his shot-making ability, finishing skills, and decision-making despite an injury-riddled freshman season at Louisville.
Brown's stock has surged in recent months following a strong pre-draft process. O'Connor highlighted a 45-point performance in February before a back injury cut his season short. While questions remain regarding consistency due to limited game action, reports from around the league indicate that Brown has impressed during workouts and is fully healthy.
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That momentum aligns with recent reporting from ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, who identified Brown as one of several prospects under consideration by the Clippers if they decide to keep their selection.
Earlier this week, Siegel projected Illinois guard Keaton Wagler to Los Angeles at No. 5.
"Wagler continues to gain momentum as the best player in the draft, following the four top prospects," Siegel wrote. "There has not been much discussion about the LA Clippers trading the fifth pick, but they are obviously open to hearing offers that come their way. Should this pick remain in the Clippers' hands, Wagler appears to be their top choice at this time."
Mikel Brown Jr. emerges as Clippers trade-down target amid draft uncertainty
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While Wagler remains a leading candidate, Brown's name continues to surface among teams drafting inside the top 10.
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"Word from teams who have brought in Brown for private workouts has been fantastic, and he is fully recovered from whatever back ailment plagued him at Louisville," Siegel reported. "That is why multiple teams inside the top 10 are showing significant interest in Brown, including the Clippers, Nets , Chicago Bulls , Atlanta Hawks , and Dallas Mavericks."
The uncertainty surrounding Los Angeles' plans extends beyond the draft board. Siegel previously reported that the Clippers could shape the lottery depending on what they decide to do with the fifth pick and how they approach larger roster questions involving Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland .
In a May mock draft, Siegel described the Clippers as a "wild card" team and noted that multiple guards remain under consideration if the organization retains its selection. Along with Wagler and Brown, prospects such as Brayden Burries, Darius Acuff Jr., and Kingston Flemings have been linked to Los Angeles.
For now, there appears to be little consensus around the league regarding the Clippers' ultimate direction. Whether Los Angeles selects a guard at No. 5, targets Brown through a trade-down scenario, or moves the pick entirely, the franchise remains one of the focal points of the 2026 NBA Draft as speculation continues to intensify.
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