Full Breakdown
Clippers Hold No. 5 Pick, Explore Trade Options
5/13/2026, 12:44:57 PM
The No. 5 Pick and Its Origins
The Los Angeles Clippers now own the No. 5 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. The slot came from the July 2025 Ivica Zubac trade, where the Pacers sent a lottery-protected 2026 first-rounder (protected 1-4, 10-30) to Los Angeles. When the lottery placed the pick at No. 5, the protection fell away. The deal also gave Indiana center Zubac a roughly $20 million-per-year contract; he appeared in 48 games last season, five with the Pacers. Kawhi Leonard posted 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 2025-26.
Potential Trade Paths
The Bucks could move Los Angeles down to No. 10 for Myles Turner and three-point specialist AJ Green, giving Milwaukee a chance at a future star at No. 5. Toronto might swap RJ Barrett, Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins and second-round picks for the slot, addressing the Raptors’ point-guard need. Atlanta could send Jonathan Kuminga with Bogdanovic and Collins for the pick, adding a versatile forward. New Orleans proposes either Trey Murphy III (plus Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, Yanic Konan-Niederhauser) or Zion Williamson, pairing the pick with Bogdanovic, Dunn, Collins and a 2029 first-rounder.
Strategic Implications for the Clippers
The Clippers are in win-now mode after Leonard’s 27.9-point season but lack a true starting center and reliable wing shooting. Acquiring Turner and Green via a trade would address both needs immediately, while retaining the No. 5 pick could add a guard prospect but may postpone a championship window.
Official Reactions
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton called the Zubac deal a “calculated risk” and said he remains excited about the roster. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has not spoken publicly. Chad Ford noted the Bucks view the No. 5 slot as a possible catalyst for their post-Giannis rebuild.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Chad Ford’s Bucks interest is unconfirmed; no team has announced a trade.
Criticism & Concerns
The Pacers gave up two first-round assets—2026 No. 5 and an unprotected 2029 pick—making the Zubac gamble risky if his health does not improve. The Clippers’ willingness to trade a high lottery slot also raises questions about overpaying for veterans versus preserving future upside.
Verbatim Quote
> “I mean, it was a coin toss. I mean, the way I’m looking at the last 12 months for me, dating back from June, I didn’t think we were really due any luck. You know, it’s been a rough 12 months for me. KP didn’t have to apologize. They took a calculated risk. I’m still rolling with the decision, and I’m excited to add Zubac to the crew, and I still think we’ll be really good beside him. It’s how the cookie crumbles sometimes, and I’m still really excited about our group.” — Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers guard
Upcoming Steps
The 2026 NBA Draft is slated for late June. The Clippers must decide whether to package the No. 5 pick for immediate contributors or keep it to draft a guard, while the Pacers monitor Zubac’s health and the Bucks evaluate their post-Giannis strategy.
