LA Clippers Making Key Player Available for Trade
There has been a lot of discussion about the LA Clippers reportedly gauging the trade market for Paul George; however, a recent report suggested that a different Clippers player may be available. Accoridng to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Clippers guard Norman Powell is considered available for trade.
This is not a surprising development, because while Powell was productive for the Clippers last season, the team was unable to field many successful lineups with him on the court. While this was not entirely Powell's fault, as he was placed in many three-guard groups (often without a center), his defensive struggles made it tough for the Clippers to win his minutes.
Entering year three of his five-year / $90M contract, Powell is still owed close to $60M over the next three seasons. With teams primarily staying away from these longer deals due to the NBA's new CBA, the market for Powell could be limited. There are certainly teams who could use Powell's scoring production, but committing to his salary over the next three years might be enough to keep most teams away.
If the Clippers re-sign Russell Westbrook, they will almost certainly have to move at least one guard. Unless they plan to run multiple three-guard groups next season, there would simply not be enough minutes to go around for LA's current collection of guards. While Eric Gordon looks like a prime trade candidate, it seems the Clippers are also open to moving Powell.
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