A three-team trade in the morning hours of Monday opened this week’s NBA news cycle on a bit of a baffling note. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Miami Heat acquire Norman Powell, the Los Angeles Clippers get John Collins, and the Utah Jazz bring in Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 second-rounder via LAC.
The winner of the deal feels up for debate, but the impact for the Clippers remains easy to see. While the team adds a versatile big man to the frontcourt in Collins, replacing Powell’s scoring presence in a somewhat-thin backcourt will be imperative moving forward for a franchise with real hopes of contending in the Western Conference.
With a handful of veteran guards already on the free agent market or rumored to hit it soon, Los Angeles can court some intriguing options. Will one of Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, or Malcolm Brogdon replace Powell for the Clippers?
Who will the Clippers sign to replace Norman Powell?
Bradley Beal
There’s no doubt Bradley Beal’s name should pop up plenty in these discussions. The three-time All-Star spent the last two seasons with the Phoenix Suns and never quite gelled as a key cog as envisioned by the front office. With one of the NBA’s largest contracts at $53.6 million this season and an even heftier player option approaching next year, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that a buyout may loom for Beal, allowing him to hit the open market.
While Beal doesn’t possess the same juice which once made him an All-NBA selection with 31.3 PPG back in 2021, there’s still gas in the 32-year-old’s tank. The guard just averaged 17.0 points per game on a pretty efficient 49.7%/38.6%/80.3% shooting split, so he can still put the ball in the hoop — a skill Powell excelled at in the backcourt. Beal also averaged a modest 3.7 assists per contest last season, and while not a true creator for others, he can slide over to the backup one-guard spot for stretches and provide versatility.
Criticism of the former star’s production while playing on a massive contract over the last couple of seasons was valid. On a more budget-friendly deal following a buyout, though, Beal actually can provide plenty of value for a contending squad. He’s a top pick to replace Powell with the Clippers holding the fourth-best odds for Beal’s next team on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Chris Paul
This savvy veteran brings the polar opposite of what Beal does to the table but requires no introduction. Chris Paul may have turned 40 years old just a couple months ago, but he can still contribute at the NBA level and remains one of the five best point guards to ever grace the court.
A 12-time All-Star and five-time assist champ, Paul brings a stabilizing presence to any team he takes the floor for. He’s bounced around the league a bit over the last couple of seasons but that doesn’t mean he can’t play — the Point God recently averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists on a young San Antonio Spurs squad. He doesn’t quite fill the scoring gap left behind in Powell’s absence, but Paul can still orchestrate an offense as the primary facilitator with an elite assist/turnover ratio (just 1.6 turnovers per game). He also knocked down 37.7% of his 4.5 three-point attempts per game, so he can space the floor some to make up for his declining athleticism.
Of course, a reunion between Paul and the Clippers feels like a fitting way to end a storied career. He spent six years with the franchise in the early-2010s and would supposedly prefer to play out what will likely be his final season closer to home in Los Angeles. A potential signing makes sense both for Paul and for the Clippers in this scenario.
Malcolm Brogdon
The final name among this bunch also remains available via free agency. Malcolm Brogdon may not have the same star recognition as the other two guards, but the former Sixth Man of the Year could still have good basketball left in him.
Brogdon spent last season with the Washington Wizards, averaging 12.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in his time with the team. He’s an experienced veteran who can contribute from either of the backcourt spots, but health feels like it’s becoming an issue for the 32-year-old. Brogdon suited up for just 24 games last year and 39 in the season prior as injuries started to take their toll.
The guard likely won’t come with an expensive price tag as he still remains unsigned to this point. Teams may feel some hesitation due to health concerns since as the adage goes, availability is the best ability. However, signing Brogdon brings an element of reward along with the risk and he’d fit pretty well in the Clippers’ backcourt, so perhaps he’ll find a new home soon in Los Angeles.
