The Portland Trail Blazers made a significant trade on Friday, but it is not one that is likely to excite Damian Lillard.
The Blazers acquired veteran point guard Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and a future second-round draft pick in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. They are sending Norman Powell and Robert Covington to L.A.
Clippers are sending Blazers a 2025 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2022
Portland’s main motivation for the trade was likely freeing up money, though Bledsoe is capable of contributing. His numbers are down this season, as the 9.9 points per game he is averaging are his lowest mark since the 2012-2013 season.
Powell is is averaging 18.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per season. He is owed roughly $75 million through the 2025-26 season, so the deal allows the Blazers to clear that money off their books.
The Blazers entered Friday with a 21-31 record. They are in 10th place in the Western Conference and fading from playoff contention, which has led to another round of Lillard trade rumors.
The Clippers are 27-27 and in eighth place in the West. Powell could prove to be a nice addition for them down the stretch.
Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
