Following the abundance of rumors surrounding James Harden, Norman Powell’s name has constantly been mentioned in trade talks for the LA Clippers. This is primarily because of his modern, three-level scoring skillset and his ability to hustle hard on the defensive end. Not to mention his contract attracts interest as teams understand they will be receiving a player who is committed long-term.
That said, Powell’s talent and experience would fit like a glove in multiple destinations around the league. Additionally, each of these teams has the correct assets that would interest the Clippers in their pursuit of winning a championship.
In regards to the Clippers’ asking price, they will likely be seeking an all-star talent or a rising star and a combination of draft picks. Furthermore, three teams, in particular, could use a player like Powell and have the best to offer to the LA Clippers’ front office.
3. Brooklyn Nets
If the Brooklyn Nets were to acquire Norman Powell from the LA Clippers, they would easily be regarded as one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. This ties into the amount of depth they have, as their current roster needs more star power.
Moreover, a return package from the Nets may consist of Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Thomas, and a 2025 first-round pick.
This package may cost Brooklyn two high-quality players and a future draft pick. Still, they will receive a top-tier veteran who could quickly become an all-star next to players like Mikal Bridges and Nicolas Claxton. What’s more, their depth would allow them to battle with teams like the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers.
2. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are among the best teams the LA Clippers can trade Norman Powell to. The Hornets have young pieces to offer in return, and a talent like Powell could speed up their rebuilding process.
Furthermore, Powell, in the starting lineup next to one of the best passers in the league, LaMelo Ball, would be an unstoppable force. Additionally, Charlotte would have stars like Gordon Hayward and Brandon Miller, who could provide an instant scoring spark when needed. Trading for Powell would be one of the best off-season moves for Charlotte’s front office.
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For the LA Clippers, they may ask for young talents that would thrive off the bench. Sure, losing Powell would hurt the Clippers offensively. But it is not hard to find guys who can score the ball at an efficient rate. In fact, the Hornets have two guys that may draw heavy interest from LA’s front office.
One of these guys is the former Boston Celtic, Terry Rozier. This is a player who can score the ball effectively at all three levels and make the correct plays which may lead to easy points. Having him off the bench would improve the Clippers’ offensive ratings in a variety of ways.
Another player, the Clippers, would ask for is the former Arkansas Razorback Nick Smith Jr. He is the ideal young star the Clippers are looking for, as he can come in as a rookie and hold his ground on the offensive end. He is also 19, which only helps the Clippers’ young core.
That said, this trade gives both squads precisely what they are looking for.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are, by far, the best trade destination for LA Clippers’ guard Norman Powell. Not only do they have more than enough to offer, but if the Spurs received Powell, they could easily make the jump to a top-eight seed in the Western Conference.
Moreover, head coach Gregg Popovich could use the amount of attention Victor Wembanyama attracts to his advantage. This is the best way for a player like Powell to rack up easy buckets. Wembanyama’s job would also be much easier as he would have another scorer who can consistently drop over 20 points a night.
As for the LA Clippers, they could ask for a package that consists of Devin Vassell, Devonte Graham, and a 2024 second-round pick. This is a solid return, as LA is receiving a great role player in Graham and one of the league’s brightest young stars in Vassell.
Furthermore, Vassell would shine off the bench next to guys like Terance Mann and Bones Hyland. On top of being a very efficient three-level score, he is also a great defender who can lock up on the perimeter. In addition, he would have the opportunity to learn from Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, which would only help him in terms of his future.
For the coaching staff, Tyronn Lue would benefit tremendously from adding a talent like Vassell. He could use him down the stretch without worrying about weakness on either side of the ball, as Vassell is a two-way player.