The LA Clippers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season with a roster that’s nearly locked in, but they’re not done fine-tuning their squad. With just one roster spot open and a tight $1 million gap to the tax apron, the Clippers are strategically adding depth for training camp. In a savvy move, they’ve brought back two former first-round picks, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and TyTy Washington, to compete for a chance to shine. These young talents, once high-flying prospects, could be the spark the Clippers need to elevate their game.
Patrick Baldwin Jr.: A Second Chance in LA
Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s journey to this moment reads like a Hollywood redemption script. A former five-star recruit, Baldwin chose to play under his father at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, showcasing his potential in his lone college season. That performance earned him the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, a team known for grooming young talent into champions. However, Baldwin’s time in Golden State was short-lived. After just one season, he was traded to the Washington Wizards in a deal that sent Chris Paul to the Clippers
Baldwin’s path didn’t stop there. After a season and a half with the Wizards, he was part of a blockbuster trade to the San Antonio Spurs to facilitate the Kyle Kuzma-Khris Middleton swap between Washington and Milwaukee. The Spurs waived him soon after, leaving Baldwin to sign a two-way contract with the Clippers last season. Unfortunately, roster moves forced LA to waive him after signing Jordan Miller to a two-way deal. Now, with the Clippers maxed out on two-way contracts (featuring Miller, Kobe Sanders, and Trentyn Flowers), Baldwin is back for training camp, hungry to prove he belongs.
At 6’9” with a silky shooting stroke and versatile skill set, Baldwin has the tools to be a difference-maker. His time in the G-League and brief NBA stints have shown flashes of brilliance, and the Clippers are banking on his potential to emerge as a hidden weapon.
TyTy Washington: G-League Star Ready to Break Out
TyTy Washington’s story mirrors Baldwin’s in many ways. Another five-star high school phenom, Washington dazzled during his one-and-done season at Kentucky, earning the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. Draft night trades sent him to Houston, but his tenure there lasted just one year before he was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks. Days later, the Hawks traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who waived him before the season began.
Since then, Washington has been a journeyman, signing two-way contracts with the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. In 58 NBA games, he’s averaged a modest 3.3 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 rebounds, but his G-League numbers tell a different story. In 53 G-League games, Washington has been a force, averaging an impressive 22.5 points per game. His ability to score, facilitate, and compete at a high level in the G-League suggests he’s ready to make a leap in the NBA—if given the chance.
With their roster nearly set, the Clippers are using training camp to evaluate whether Baldwin and Washington can push for that final spot or make an impression for future opportunities. Both players bring unique skills to the table: Baldwin’s size and shooting ability complement the Clippers’ need for versatile wings, while Washington’s playmaking and scoring prowess could add depth to their backcourt.
The LA Clippers have signed Patrick Baldwin Jr. and TyTy Washington Jr. to training camp contracts.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 9, 2025
The Clippers’ financial constraints mean they’ll need to get creative to bolster their roster. With less than $1 million to spare before hitting the tax apron, they can’t afford a minimum contract without making additional moves. Bringing in Baldwin and Washington for training camp is a low-risk, high-reward strategy. Both players are former first-rounders with untapped potential, and their familiarity with the G-League’s high-paced environment could translate to success in LA’s system.
For Baldwin and Washington, this training camp is more than just a tryout—it’s a chance to rewrite their NBA stories. Both were once heralded as can’t-miss prospects, only to face the harsh realities of the league’s business side. Now, with the Clippers, they have an opportunity to showcase their growth and prove they can contribute to a team with playoff aspirations.
The Clippers, known for their gritty, competitive style under coach Ty Lue, could be the perfect landing spot for these two. If Baldwin’s shooting and Washington’s playmaking click, they could become the kind of under-the-radar additions that turn a good team into a great one. As training camp heats up, all eyes will be on these former first-rounders to see if they can transform from draft “mistakes” into the Clippers’ secret weapons for the 2025-26 season.