The LA Clippers, a professional NBA team in the big-league market, reportedly made an assumption on one of their best players from last season that did not return. According to Jake Fischer on ‘The Stein Line’ the Clippers never offered Norman Powell an extension. They just had a feeling he would want at least $30 million as a free agent.
Therefore, with their own thoughts disrupting Powell’s tenure, which had gone exceptionally well, and because Lawrence Frank did not attempt to get the clarity he needed on the expected cost of an extension, a trade was all that was left to do.
Thus, Fischer’s latest report escalates the pain behind the trade, which has already had a narrative detrimental enough. If the Clippers had made an effort, Powell could have negotiated, even if he wanted roughly $30 million. But nothing was on the table for the veteran guard to work with.
Norman Powell ensured the LA Clippers would regret their thinking
Not hearing a peep through any form of communication was the loudest sign that Norman Powell needed. He saw better days ahead with the Miami Heat and assumed, as the LA Clippers did, that he was unwanted in the future. As a result, he chose to submerge the Clippers’ front office in regret.
In 20 games, Powell is flourishing with flying colors in his personal mission towards the Clippers. He has averaged 24.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, with a true-shooting percentage of 64.8%.
Moreover, Powell is currently profiting $20 million off the Miami Heat’s payroll this season. This is an absurd discount for a borderline all-star and someone who has earned the extra $10 million, if that is really what he desired.
However, the Clippers will genuinely feel the consequences for their immediate judgement, if Powell's inevitable extension with the Heat is worth less than $30 million per year. He is a walking fan-favorite everywhere he goes, and Miami will make the right decision, as they usually do, with some of the best roster constructors in the NBA.
That said, per Jake Fischer’s report, the Clippers have to live with the fact that their worst move over the last few seasons occurred due to a misunderstanding. A conversation between players and executives is always worth it, yet LA will never know Powell’s thought process, as the possibility of an agreement on a bargained deal had a realistic chance of unfolding.