How This Trade Impacts LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers inexplicably signed Luke Kennard to a contract extension before he even played a game with the organization. It is a deal that they would like to get out of, if possible, as Kennard was in and out of the rotation months later and didn’t crack the playoff rotation until injuries occurred.
Moving Kennard’s contract is a win in itself for the Clippers. They have plenty of depth at the shooting guard spot after the offseason that they had. While some of the youngsters will need some time to develop, they have the pieces to soak up the minutes in the rotation.
Justise Winslow was going to have a chance to revive his career, much in the way that Nicolas Batum did. Now, he will just have that chance in Dallas.
Los Angeles is getting back Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell in this deal. Kleber is a versatile frontcourt player that can play either power forward or center. He provides some floor spacing and rim protection and is good insurance in case Serge Ibaka cannot return to form.
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Powell isn’t a big name, but he is an efficient player that can help any rotation. He could slot into the role DeMarcus Cousins filled last season as the backup big man off the bench.
For the Clippers, the big win here is clearing some long-term money by moving Kennard’s contract. Accomplishing that without surrendering a draft pick is an impressive feat in itself.