The LA Clippers made a big move ahead of the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline with the Portland Trail Blazers. They acquired Norman Powell and Robert Covington to help restock the roster with Kawhi Leonard sidelined for the season and Paul George ailing.
Covington’s stay with the team looked like it could be short, however. He was set to hit free agency this offseason and the Clippers would have had a lot of competition to sign him. But, they made sure that it didn’t even get that far.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Covington isn’t going anywhere. He and the LA Clippers agreed to a two-year, $24 million deal according to his agent Andrew Morrison of CAA.
This is a big signing for the Clippers who are set to be contenders again next season with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George healthy. Covington is the quintessential 3-and-D player, something every contending team would have sought this offseason.
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A 36 percent 3-point shooter in his career, Covington has knocked down at least 128 3-pointers in seven out of his nine seasons in the NBA. The only time he didn’t was his rookie campaign when he played only 34 minutes and the 2018-19 season when he played in only 35 games but still managed to connect on 85 3-pointers.
Covington is the only player in the NBA with 100+ 3-pointers and steals, marks that he has hit in three consecutive seasons. He can also provide some rim protection as a help defender. He has experience playing small-ball center as well, providing the Clippers with a ton of versatility on the defensive end of the court.
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Having Robert Covington locked into a deal could open things up for the LA Clippers to make moves. Marcus Morris Sr. is someone that has been mentioned in trade rumors and if the team finds a taker for him, they know they can turn to Covington to take over his role in the rotation.
