On February 5, Beijing time, the NBA free market reached another deal, and the Clippers and the Blazers reached a 4-for-2 deal, involving a total of 5 players. After the deal was reached, the outside world was unanimously optimistic about the Clippers, and Leonard and George won 2 big helpers in the recovery stage, and their strength became stronger again.
The specific deal plan is: the Clippers send Bledsoe, Winslow, 2021 No. 21 Keane Johnson and a 2025 second-round pick (from the Pistons), from the Blazers to Norman Powell and Robert Covington. Soon, the Blazers also officially announced the deal.
This deal can be reached is really unexpected by everyone, after all, Powell and Covington are still very good at shooting, did not expect the Clippers to directly harvest 2 people at once. After the deal was struck, the Blazers were paid less than the luxury tax line, and the Clippers added $19 million, which was nothing for boss Ballmer.
Looking at the players, it can be seen that the Clippers are the bloody side, the Blazers are trading to reduce salaries, and they have also received a $6.5 million deal exception. The goals of the trade between the two sides are not the same, the Clippers are running to strengthen the team, and after getting Powell and Covington, their strength and roster depth have been improved. Powell has averaged 18.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season, shooting 40.6 percent from three-point range; Covington's offensive end is less than ideal, but his defense is what the Clippers need.
For the Clippers' deal, I believe leonard and George, who are recuperating, will clap their hands. Once they wait for their return, their strength will become even better. Originally, the Clippers planned to give up this season, but now they have directly promoted the lineup, and the main lineup is at its peak, which is still very conducive to their continued impact on the championship. Look at the operation of the Clippers, and then look at the Lakers in the same city, you will have to be heartbroken.
In the trading market, the Lakers are still very active, and they are connected with many players, but there is no progress. After the Clippers completed the deal, some netizens asked "Why can't the Lakers take Covington and Powell like the Clippers?" Salary expert Bobby Marks responded: "The Lakers don't have a contract to match the $27 million salary of the two of them." ”
Due to the formation of the Big Three, the Lakers salary space is very small, in addition to the Big Three, the small Tucker ten million contract, the Nunn middle class contract, the other players are the basic salary, want to trade the space to strengthen is indeed very small.