With the NBA trading deadline approaching, teams in the league are starting to stir. At this point in time, the Clippers were the first to complete a blockbuster deal. According to the famous revelations, the Clippers made a 4-for-2 deal, the Clippers sent Bledsoe, Winslow and first-round pick Keane Johnson, as well as a second-round draft pick, from the Blazers to get Powell and Covington trade.
Why did the Clippers make the deal? Powell is a top wing player who can play double-guard on the court, and the Clippers hope Powell can help Card and George. In addition, the players sent by the Clippers are not high in value, and the impact on the team is not large. Covington, meanwhile, is a premium 3D player, and the Clippers' forward strength will improve in the absence of George and Ka Jr.
Why should the Trailblazers be good old men? Trail Blazers management believes that Simmons Jr. has greater nurturing value, so the team is willing to send Powell away. In addition, the team wants to reduce the payment of luxury taxes through transactions. The Blazers know that the team has no hope of rushing to the championship this season. After the deal, the Clippers would have to pay an extra $19 million in luxury taxes, and the Blazers managed to bring their salaries below the luxury tax line.
For the Lakers, this is not good news. Previously, the media broke the news that the Lakers had intended to trade Powell, and said that Powell was a more realistic target in the market. For the Lakers, Westbrook's performance was very bad, Tucker Jr. needed the ball, and neither of them could bring more help to the Lakers. Powell is good at playing without the ball, can shoot three points, and can also break through the layup, which is more suitable for pairing with James. However, after the deal was reached, Powell had no chance to join the Lakers.