The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to send Norman Powell and John Collins to the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat respectively, according to sources. The deals are part of a series of moves aimed at increasing the team’s flexibility for future contract signings.
Powell, 32, will join the Heat after averaging 21.8 points in his best season yet. He was a key contributor and starts all games he plays. Powell’s deal is up this season, worth $20.4 million, making him eligible for an extension.
Collins, 27, brings athleticism to the Jazz as he averaged 19 points and 8.2 rebounds in 40 games last season. His contract, worth $26.5 million, was set to expire this coming season. By trading Collins, Utah gets a second-round pick from the Clippers’ system.
Miami adds Powell’s scoring punch to its lineup, while also getting Kyle Anderson, who averaged 6.7 points per game after being acquired from the Golden State Warriors in a Jimmy Butler trade last year. The Heat has made several moves this offseason to address areas of need.
The deals are a part of the Clippers’ strategy for future flexibility, as they recently signed James Harden and Brook Lopez on two-year contracts with options. With $5.3 million remaining under their mid-level exception, Los Angeles is poised to make further signings.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45688419/sources-powell-heat-collins-clips-three-team-trade