Clippers Add Former First-Round Pick TyTy Washington to Roster

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The Los Angeles Clippers have bolstered their backcourt depth by signing TyTy Washington Jr., a former first-round pick in the 2022 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, to a one-year contract. The 23-year-old guard will look to revive his career as the Clippers aim for a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.

Washington, who was selected 29th overall out of the University of Kentucky, appeared in 16 games for the Phoenix Suns during the 2023–24 NBA season. He averaged 2.2 points and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 31.1 percent from the field. While those numbers may not jump off the page, the young guard has shown glimpses of potential during his time in the NBA G League. Notably, he recorded a triple-double for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in March 2023, with 19 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to impact games in multiple ways.

Before joining the Suns, Washington spent time with the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks, mostly on two-way contracts that split time between the NBA and the G League. His career averages across 58 NBA games stand at 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, with a 34.7 percent shooting clip and just 23.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Washington’s signing was confirmed by his agent, Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Clippers, who finished fifth in the Western Conference with a 50–32 record last season, were eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs by the Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game series. With their eyes on improvement and championship contention, adding a young, hungry guard like Washington could prove to be a low-risk move with potential upside.

Standing 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Washington brings versatility to both guard positions. Originally a shooting guard at Kentucky, he transitioned into a more traditional point guard role in the G League, focusing on distribution and decision-making. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Washington has worked to develop his three-point shooting and playmaking ability, areas that could serve the Clippers well as they seek added bench production.

Though his path in the league has been far from smooth, Washington now has an opportunity to learn from a veteran-laden Clippers squad and compete for meaningful minutes. His signing reflects the organization’s willingness to take calculated chances on young talent, especially those with first-round pedigree, looking to find their footing in a highly competitive league.