The Clippers have traded with Orlando to draft Jason Preston

Last week, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported that the Clippers had interest in Jason Preston, a guard out of Ohio, but not to the point that they would use their 25th pick on him.

The solution? The Clippers simply got back into the draft into the second round to get their man. L.A. traded a future second-round pick, a 2026 Detroit second from the Luke Kennard trade, and cash to Orlando to get the 33rd pick. It’s unknown as of yet how much cash the Clippers sent out, but they had $1.5 million available.

Preston played three years for the Bobcats, capping off his collegiate career with an upset of defending champion Virginia in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. He averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in his final season and was the alpha and omega for Ohio’s offense. He was an outstanding passer in the Mid-American conference; there are some questions as to whether that will translate at the next level, especially since Preston’s ability to create space is one of his primary weaknesses. However, the Clippers have to like his feel for the game and his ability to play at his own pace without getting sped up.

Preston measured at 6’3 with a 6’8.5 wingspan. He’s pretty big for a point guard and attacks the glass, which fits right into the Clippers ethos. He will have to work on his free-throw shooting, as he only shot 59.6 percent from the line last year, but his catch-and-shoot ability suggests that his form is fixable.

For a first look at Preston, a reminder that Las Vegas Summer League starts on Monday, August 9.