The departure of Kawhi Leonard has left the Los Angeles Clippers without their top player and their most compelling claim to a franchise centerpiece. This void is amplified by the NBA's recent sanctions, which include a $30 million fine, leadership suspensions, and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks due to salary-cap violations.
While the acquisitions of Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick, along with Toronto's draft compensation, bring new talent and flexibility, the team must now address a more fundamental challenge: finding a player who can restore hope and define the franchise's future.
Identifying the Next Star
The ideal player to lead the Clippers should provide stability, establish an identity, and transform the perception of the NBA's punishment from a catastrophic setback to a manageable hurdle. Beyond on-court performance, this individual needs to represent a clean slate, offering fans someone to embrace without the baggage of past controversies or injury concerns associated with previously acquired stars.
The Leading Candidates: Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram
Darius Garland emerges as a strong contender. The 26-year-old point guard, a two-time All-Star, is under contract through the 2027-28 season. Since joining the Clippers in the James Harden trade, Garland has averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in 19 games, shooting 43.8 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to initiate offense and control the game's tempo could provide the much-needed order and identity the team seeks. However, his injury history, defensive limitations due to his size, and a lack of experience as the primary star on a contender present challenges.
Brandon Ingram offers immediate scoring credibility. The former All-Star averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season. As a key piece in the Leonard trade package, he is positioned to be a central figure on the new roster. Ingram's contract includes a player option for 2027-28. Despite his scoring prowess, his age (29) and contract situation suggest he might lead the team in scoring without necessarily being the long-term answer.
Emerging Prospects: Keaton Wagler and Gradey Dick
Keaton Wagler represents the most significant source of genuine long-term hope. The 19-year-old guard, selected fifth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, leading Illinois to the Final Four. His development from an under-recruited prospect to a draft standout offers a narrative that a recovering fanbase can connect with. However, Wagler's basketball readiness for an NBA franchise remains untested, as he has yet to play a regular-season game.
Gradey Dick is considered a longer shot. The 22-year-old former lottery pick possesses useful size and shooting ability, but his scoring average decreased significantly from 14.4 points per game in 2024-25 to 6.0 last season. He is currently viewed more as a reclamation project than a foundational piece.
The Present Reality
Currently, the Clippers have players capable of contributing, but no single individual combines proven production, upward trajectory, and long-term organizational commitment. Any of these candidates could potentially rise to the occasion, but none have yet established themselves as the definitive face of the franchise.
This uncertainty might lead the Clippers to pursue another star by packaging young talent, veteran contracts, and draft picks. While acquiring another superstar could accelerate their rebuilding process, a hasty pursuit of another high-profile name risks repeating past mistakes. The team must prioritize building an identity and sustainable growth over simply acquiring star power.
Garland and Ingram can make the Clippers competitive, while Wagler and Dick add intrigue. However, none have yet demonstrated the capacity to fully replace what was lost with Leonard's departure and the league's sanctions. The Clippers are in a transitional phase, and the true face of their future remains to be seen.