When the Los Angeles Clippers executed a three-team trade with the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz on July 7, the move was framed as a bit of a mixed bag. Los Angeles sent wing Norman Powell to Miami despite a career-best season in 2024. Powell averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, which were all career highs.
The acquisition of Collins made it clear that the Clippers are prioritizing defense in 2025. One thing that was painfully evident in their seven-game elimination at the hands of the Denver Nuggets was their struggles to defend inside.