Every team in the NBA needs to decide on their priorities. They’ll each have different considerations to make. Teams want to put together the best units that they can. On the other hand, sometimes, doing so requires them to manage their salary sheet.
After all, a big contract can limit a team’s ability to improve their roster. With that in mind, sometimes, a team will make a trade that hurts them in the short term with the hope that it will help them in the long run. Could the Los Angeles Clippers be the next team to make that calculus?
It feels possible. This team’s salary sheet is packed with big deals. Meanwhile, their future is unclear. The Clippers have the talent to win a title, but they’re highly injury-prone. Could they increase their flexibility by sending Norman Powell to the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 Second-Round Pick (DET via NYK), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BKN via NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Norman Powell
These two teams play in the two biggest markets in the NBA. In fact, New York and Los Angeles are such big markets that they each host two teams. On the other hand, that’s where the similarities end.
New York is Knick territory. Sure, the Brooklyn Nets have made an impact. They put together a title contender recently – as a matter of fact, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving spurned the Knicks to join the Nets. It didn’t work out. Now, the Nets are in flux – and the Knicks are competitive. Either way, the Nets are not likely to replace the Knicks in the hearts of New Yorkers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the Clippers are the new kids on the block in LA. For a long time, they were a laughingstock of a franchise. That’s changed dramatically. The Clippers have been competitive for some time. Yet, they can’t seem to overtake the Lakers. Could this deal help them get closer to doing so?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Not directly. The Clippers are losing the best player in this deal. Here, they’re trying to take two steps forward as they take a step backward. More than anything, they’re flipping Norman Powell for Fournier’s expiring contract.
If they did, they’d have a lot of cap space heading into next summer. Who knows? With some additional maneuvering, they could sign James Harden. He’s been linked to the organization in the past. Either way, this deal helps the Clippers create some flexibility to make a big move down the line.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
In the meantime, they won’t tank the season by making this trade. If Fournier has anything left in the tank, he doesn’t have to be a major downgrade from Powell. Still, even if he is, it’s his contract that the Clippers covet. Should the Knicks take on Powell’s long-term money?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
For the Knicks, this is a win-now upgrade. So, all that matters on their end is a comparison between Powell and Fournier. How much better is Powell?
Well, it’s a little difficult to say. After all, Fournier fell out of New York’s rotation last season. That’s reason enough to move him. We suspect Powell would find his place with this team. He’s a strong floor spacer, a solid defender, and a capable shot-creator in a pinch. Powell should be an upgrade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
His contract isn’t especially onerous, either. Unlike the Clippers, the Knicks have control of their own draft moving forward. That means they can be players in the trade market – they don’t have to rely on free agency. With that in mind, a deal like Powell’s could actually be useful in matching salaries down the line. In other words, the Knicks have different priorities than the Clippers.
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