According to famous reports, the Clippers have reached a reinforcement in order to go further in the playoffs. The Clippers sent away three players, Bledsoe, Winslow and Johnson, as well as a future second-round pick, to get Powell and Covington from the Trail Blazers.
For the Trail Blazers, the deal is mostly about reducing the luxury taxes the team pays. Lillard's injury this season has prevented the Trail Blazers from taking advantage of their record. Powell just signed a big five-year, $90 million contract last summer, and Covington has contracted for around $12 million this season.
For the Clippers, the team's goal this season remains a championship. Although Ka Jr. and George are currently injured, the team still has hopes of reaching the playoffs, and Ka Jr. and George are also very likely to return in the playoffs. Clippers owner Ballmer is an avid basketball fan who is passionate about putting money into basketball. After the deal closes, the Clippers will need to pay an additional $19 million in luxury taxes this season.
For the Lakers, the Clippers reinforcement is not a positive news. But a 5-for-1 deal for the Lakers will be accelerated, namely the Lakers' sending out Westbrook, the 2017 first-round draft pick and three second-round draft picks, and getting Lillard from the Trail Blazers trade.
Earlier, Lillard said in an interview that if the Blazers play for the draft pick, then it is meaningless for him to play. The deal the Blazers just made is, in the eyes of the outside world, a big joke. The Blazers are seen as a big philanthropist because they didn't get any first-round picks in the deal. The Clippers sent several players, one on a premium contract (Bledsoe) and two with little potential (Winslow and Keane Johnson).
Therefore, the media pointed out that the Lakers are expected to get lillard of the Blazers through a 5-for-1 trade, and James has the opportunity to re-form the big three to rush the championship.