Simply put, an NBA team has one goal: build the best team you can. In reality, it’s more complicated than that. An NBA team needs to accumulate talent, but they also need to consider the cost. Teams need to consider the future in addition to their cap sheet.
The Los Angeles Clippers must be thinking about money. How could they not? Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will both be due for extensions soon. On paper, they’re both worth max contracts. In practice, they’re injured so frequently that they’ve become risky investments. We’ll see what the Pelicans decide to do.
By contrast, the New York Knicks have got some money to spare. This team’s cap is well managed. The worst contract on their books likely belongs to Evan Fournier, and even he’s on an expiring deal. Could the Knicks send him to the Clippers in exchange for Norman Powell?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Norman Powell
So, in simple terms, the Clippers should trade for James Harden. He wants to land there, and given his depressed trade value, the Clippers have got the assets. In reality, it’s a little more complicated than that.
To begin with, Harden is a flight risk. He’s on an expiring contract, and he’s made a habit of requesting trades recently. Harden could walk next summer if things don’t go well for the Clippers. If the Clippers have surrendered significant assets for him, that would be a huge problem.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
On the other hand, the Clippers have a championship window. If Leonard and George can stay healthy, they’d be a serious contender after adding Harden. This isn’t an easy decision to make. Does this deal make it any easier?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
It might. If the Clippers are serious about landing Harden, this deal makes sense. The Sixers seemingly want draft capital for their star guard. In all likelihood, adding this lottery-protected pick to their own 2029 selection would be enough to get a deal done.
On the other hand, even if the Clippers don’t want Harden, they could justify this deal. Powell is on a long-term deal, and Fournier’s contract is expiring. Meanwhile, adding a lottery-protected first doesn’t hurt the Clippers either.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Losing Powell does hurt their win-now chances. With that said, the Clippers do need to be cost-conscious. Moreover, Fournier could have a bounce-back season and minimize the gap between him and Powell. Ultimately, this is a prudent decision for the Clippers no matter what they have planned for Harden. Is it a wise decision for the Knicks?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
For the Clippers, this is a complicated decision. It involves several contingencies. For the Knicks, it’s relatively simple. They’re trading Fournier for Powell because he’s a considerably better player.
For starters, he’s a better defender. That ought to endear him to notoriously defensive-minded head coach Tom Thibodeau. Still, and more importantly, Powell is a much more dynamic shot creator. He’d be a meaningful addition to this team’s rotation.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
He should be worth a lottery protected first to New York as well. Sure, they’ve been stockpiling draft capital to net a star. In the meantime, stars have emerged on their roster. This team should be competitive next season, with Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson carrying the offense and Mitchell Robinson anchoring the defense. Adding Powell makes them a little better. Sometimes, it’s just that simple.
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