The Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets are both evaluating Louisville freshman guard Mikel Brown as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, league sources told ClutchPoints and ESPN.
Los Angeles owns the No. 5 selection and is weighing whether to keep the pick or trade down within the top 10, but the club is “seriously interested” in Brown, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel. Brooklyn, which selects immediately after the Clippers at No. 6, is also viewed as a realistic destination for the 19-year-old guard, Siegel added.
The Atlanta Hawks, holding the eighth pick, have shown interest as well, yet multiple executives doubt Brown will remain available that late. “His back issues are behind him, and he looks like the second-best guard in this class,” an executive from a top-10 team told ClutchPoints after a private workout.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reported that Brown is scheduled to work out for the Clippers this week and has impressed clubs throughout the pre-draft process. In Woo’s latest mock draft, Los Angeles selects forward Keaton Wagler at No. 5 and Brooklyn takes guard Darius Acuff at No. 6, though Woo noted Brown is firmly in consideration at both spots. His projection has Sacramento choosing Brown at No. 7, while the Kings are said to covet Acuff if he slips.
Sacramento did not publicize a private workout it held with Acuff last week, according to KCRA News’ Sean Cunningham. Meanwhile, Woo identified Brayden Burries as another guard on the Clippers’ radar, though it is unclear whether that interest applies if the team keeps the fifth pick or trades back.
Both Siegel and Woo reported that rival front offices remain uncertain about the Nets’ internal rankings heading into draft week.
Source: HoopsRumors
