Pre-Draft Outlook
The Clippers expected to seriously compete perennially for titles when they added Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. So far, the duo has played in 142 games in their last four seasons together, and the team is coming off a first-round exit from the postseason. With the franchise set to open a new arena for the 2024-25 season, it hopes to keep its potential championship window open for as long as possible. That likely means keeping Leonard and George together, while trying to improve a roster that already features 10 players on guaranteed contracts for next season with two starters — Russell Westbrook and Mason Plumlee — set to hit free agency.
The Way To Go
The current payroll is sky-high, but the Clippers believe they have enough talent to compete — provided Leonard and George can find a way to stay healthy. So, LA isn’t expecting to select players that will make an immediate impact with the 30th and 48th picks, but the Clippers need to take rookies that can at least contribute to overall team depth. Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis and UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. could fit the bill here late in the first round. Jackson-Davis is a versatile defender with impressive athleticism and playmaking ability. The Clippers know firsthand about Jaquez’s hustle and instinctive feel for the game after watching him star at UCLA.
— Michael C. Wright
Here’s a quick look at who the LA Clippers have under contract, who is a free agent this summer and who they added in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Under Contract
G: Brandon Boston Jr.
G: Eric Gordon
G: Bones Hyland
G: Jason Preston
G: Norman Powell
G/F: Nicolas Batum
G/F: Amir Coffey
G/F: Terance Mann
F: Robert Covington
F: Paul George
F: Kawhi Leonard
F: Marcus Morris Sr.
C: Ivica Zubac
Free Agents
G: Xavier Moon (two-way)
G: Russell Westbrook (unrestricted)
F: Moussa Diabate (two-way)
F/C: Mason Plumlee (unrestricted)
> 2023 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2022: Moussa Diabate (46)
* = acquired via trade
** = traded in draft-night deal
*** = traded in offseason deal