How This Trade Impacts LA Clippers
The LA Clippers made a big trade ahead of the deadline, acquiring Norman Powell and Robert Covington from the Portland Trail Blazers. Covington is going to be a free agent, so the Clippers could be on the lookout for some frontcourt help.
Brook Lopez isn’t the versatile defender that Covington is, but he would be a solid addition to their frontcourt. Lopez is a great stretch-five, which would bring a dimension to the team that they are currently lacking. None of the Clippers’ current big men stretch the floor in that manner.
Lopez is also a solid rim protector and can anchor LA’s defense. Parting ways with Luke Kennard would hurt, as his 3-point shooting is elite, but when healthy, the Clippers can more than compensate for the loss given the addition of Powell.
Adding Lopez to the mix with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Powell and Lopez gives Los Angeles the makings of a very strong defensive core. A rotation rounded out by Reggie Jackson, Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann and Nicolas Batum would give Tyronn Lue a very formidable rotation.
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Los Angeles would be surrendering a second-round pick in the deal as well to offset Kennard’s contract that is longer than the one Lopez has. It is well worth the price, as the LA Clippers will have some wiggle room in the 2023 offseason to further upgrade the roster.
