On July 26–27, 2025, TyTy Washington Jr. signed a one‑year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania via his agent, Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management .
Background: From Kentucky to the NBA
TyTy Washington Jr., born November 15, 2001, in Phoenix, Arizona, was a highly rated five-star point guard coming out of Arizona prep schools before committing to Kentucky. In his lone college season (2021–22), he averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, earning Second‑team All‑SEC and SEC All‑Freshman honors .
Selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Washington’s rights were moved multiple times—from Memphis to Houston, then on to Atlanta and Oklahoma City—before he landed on a two‑way deal and ultimately was waived .
Over three NBA seasons, he has logged 58 games (31 with Houston, 11 with Milwaukee, 16 with Phoenix), averaging 3.3 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 rebounds per game across 10.5 minutes. His shooting has been a major concern: a career field goal percentage of 34.7% and just 23.4% from three-point range .
Why the Clippers Decision Makes Sense
Washington enters a Clippers backcourt already stocked with veteran guards Chris Paul and James Harden, along with Kris Dunn as a reliable reserve. At 23 years old, Washington is viewed as a developmental prospect who can push for a roster spot if his training camp impresses.
Most analysts expect his contract to be a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal or possibly a two-way agreement—fitting with the Clippers’ tight spot against the first-apron luxury tax and cap restrictions . That structure gives Washington a chance at training-camp minutes and the potential to earn a roster spot, while offering LA financial flexibility.
For Washington, it’s a meaningful opportunity: the Clippers have a history of overseeing player development, and Washington will benefit from practicing beside future Hall-of‑Fame talent in Paul and Harden. It also gives LA greater depth and younger legs in camp competition.
Has He Showed Enough to Stick?
His NBA production has been limited—but more encouraging is his G League performance. Last season with Phoenix’s G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, Washington averaged 22.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds on efficient shooting splits of .447/.432/.727 over 21 games . That dominance in the developmental league hints at untapped potential if given the right opportunity.
While his struggles as a Suns guard—averaging just 2.2 points and 1.0 assist in 7.4 minutes across 16 NBA games with a 31.1% field goal and 19% three-point rate—might give pause, the Clippers see the upside in his style of play and youth .
What’s At Stake for Washington
Training camp performance: Washington’s preseason and summer league outings will be critical—he’ll need to showcase improved shooting, decision-making, and defensive effort to beat out guards like Dunn.
Earning two-way versus standard status: He’ll look to carve out one of LA’s two-way slots or land a standard roster spot if his camp and G League play impress coaches.
Long-term ambition: With sustained growth, he could turn this opportunity into a multi-year stay—particularly if he shows clutch playmaking and reliability.
Clippers’ Perspective
For Los Angeles, adding Washington offers:
Depth: More guard options behind CP3, Harden, and Dunn.
Upside: A chance to tap into a guard with a high basketball IQ and playmaking instincts.
Flexibility: If signed as Exhibit 10 or two-way, minimal financial risk.
Given the Clippers’ focus on optimizing their rotation and managing veteran minutes, Washington could emerge as a reliable spark plug or G League contributor; and if roster injuries or inconsistencies arise, he may earn regular-call ups.
Conclusion
Washington’s one-year Clippers deal is simultaneously low-risk and high-reward—a chance at redemption. His past NBA struggles are offset by his G League excellence and potential. In a Clippers system led by instruction-heavy veterans, he’ll aim to prove himself in training camp and seize the opportunity to stick and develop.
At just 23, Washington still has time to carve out a role. This deal represents a pivotal moment—not just geographically for his career, but in his journey from elite college guard to an NBA mainstay.
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In summary: TyTy Washington Jr. joins the Clippers on a modest, likely non-guaranteed one-year contract, bringing promise from his G League output while aiming to prove himself amidst elite veteran guards. It’s a calculated gamble from both s
ides, with development and depth as the core motives.
