5. Norman Powell
This is the point in the list where we can start making strong arguments for players on the roster that could emerge as salary casualties. However, I would still have my reservations about the LA Clippers deciding to trade Norman Powell for salary purposes. With three years left on his contract, Powell makes $18 million in 2023-24, a little more than $19 million in 2024-25, and then nearly $20.5 million in 2025-26. From that point of view, it’s easy to see why Powell could emerge as a cap casualty.
But when you think about how important he’s been for the Clippers as a sixth man, you rethink that entire premise. In his first full season with the Clippers, Powell averaged 17 points and three rebounds per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Considering how much Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have been in and out of the lineup due to injury or load management, Powell’s value to the team is so much more than many from the outside looking in realize.
Trading Powell can be a conversation the Clippers can have this offseason but if they’re serious about contending for a championship, I’d have to believe that Powel is a big part of that next season.