But LA wanted to be proactive before then. Make no mistake that the Clippers’ playoff fortunes improve substantially with Leonard and George back in the lineup. Covington will become a free agent this summer, but the Clippers can spend over the cap to keep him because they have his Bird Rights. Powell is nearing the first year of a five-year, $90 million deal, so that gives the Clippers both security in keeping a dependable player entering his prime and an additional asset in future deals. As an added bonus, Powell returns to his hometown after growing up in San Diego and playing at UCLA.Īnd the Clippers acquired these players while still maintaining their flexibility. The Clippers added two players that historically become amenable with their roles and playing time. While Powell has averaged a combined 11.2 points on 46.2% shooting through stops in Toronto (2015-21) and Portland (2020-22), Covington has averaged 11.6 points with outside shooting potential during stops Houston (2013-14, 2019-20), Philadelphia (2014-18), Minnesota (2018-19) and Portland (2020-22). The Clippers acquired two players in Powell and Covington that can provide wing depth as both outside shooters and perimeter defenders. So, the Clippers took the advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their roster well before the trade deadline expires on Feb. Haywood on Clippers and Trail Blazers trade: ‘The Clippers got a lot better’īut the Clippers did not want to base their fortunes on whether Leonard and/or George would return this season. The Clippers remain within striking distance of a playoff seed without even needing to compete through the play-in tournament. Just before the Clippers squeaked out a win over the Lakers on Thursday, Clippers coach Ty Lue maintained, “I love our team and how we’re constructed now.” And why wouldn’t he? The Clippers (27-27) moved to eighth place in the Western Conference despite missing Leonard for the entire season while recovering from off-season surgery to treat a partial tear in his right ACL injury. And in this case, the Clippers thread the needle by accomplishing both. Though Ballmer has never put a price limit on such spending, the Clippers also want to maintain their flexibility. The Clippers want to collect as much talent and assets as possible. By securing this deal, the Clippers achieved two objectives they have considered important ever since owner Steve Ballmer purchased the franchise in 2014. The Clippers acquired Norman Powell and Robert Covington from the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and the Detroit Pistons’ 2025 second-round pick. That also has not stopped the Clippers from finding ways with upgrading their roster in hopes to make a playoff push, regardless of their star player’s availability. They have also fielded uncertainty on when or if Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will return from their respective injuries this season.īut that has not stopped the Clippers from staying competitive enough to remain in the Western Conference’s playoff picture. The Los Angeles Clippers have experienced turbulence without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Reggie Jackson now has Norman Powell as a potential backcourt running mate, a marked increase in talent and depth for the Clippers
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