By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading guards Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, and rookie Keon Johnson to the Portland Trail Blazers for guard Norman Powell and small forward Robert Covington, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported. The Clippers are also sending a future second-round pick to Portland as part of the deal.
This could be a sign that the Trail Blazers are going to make more moves before the NBA Trade Deadline, which is set for Feb. 10 next Thursday. Portland is on the fringe of the play-in tournament picture in the Western Conference at 21-31 in 10th place. Damian Lillard remains sidelined and it may be time for rebuilding.
Los Angeles has been staying afloat without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard and adding two more veterans can help their chances in the playoffs.
The Clippers add Powell to a lineup that has been carried by veterans Reggie Jackson, Serge Ibaka, and Marcus Morris. With Bledsoe being the only starter heading to Portland, the Clippers keep most of the depth while adding two starting-caliber players.