Clippers’ Regret: The Bradley Beal Trade Backfires as Norman Powell Shines in Miami
The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves grappling with a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season. Currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference with a 3-5 record, the team looks noticeably older and slower than in previous years. Their defensive struggles, in particular, have raised eyebrows, and much of the blame can be traced back to a significant offseason decision.
Offseason Moves and Missteps
In a surprising move, the Clippers traded Norman Powell—a player who had just enjoyed the best season of his career—to the Miami Heat. This trade was part of a three-team deal that brought John Collins to Los Angeles. The Clippers subsequently signed Bradley Beal in free agency, aiming for him to step into Powell’s role at shooting guard. At the time, this decision raised questions, and after just eight games, many are now questioning its wisdom even more.
Bradley Beal’s Struggles
Bradley Beal’s performance thus far has been underwhelming, especially in a recent matchup against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. In just 20 minutes on the court, Beal managed a mere five points, one rebound, and one assist, shooting a dismal 2-for-14 from the field. This lackluster showing contributed to a staggering -23 plus-minus rating during his time on the court. Over the course of the season, Beal is averaging only 7.4 points per game with a troubling 35.9% shooting percentage.
Adding to the concern, Beal has only attempted six free throws across five games, indicating a significant lack of aggression in attacking the rim. Defensively, the situation is equally grim. The team’s defensive rating plummets by 16.6 points per 100 possessions when Beal is on the floor, resulting in a staggering defensive rating of 133.2.
Norman Powell’s Bright Start in Miami
In stark contrast, Norman Powell has continued to build on his breakout season in Miami. He is averaging over 23 points per game with impressive shooting splits of 46.4% from the field, 51.7% from three-point range, and an exceptional 94.9% from the free-throw line. Powell’s game has been characterized by a robust offensive presence, taking eight three-point attempts and drawing nearly 7.8 free throws per game. These are numbers that Beal, at this stage of his career, is struggling to approach.
While John Collins has provided solid depth for the Clippers, the combination of Collins and Beal has yet to match the offensive output that Powell delivered last season. The absence of Powell has placed an increased burden on the aging stars of the team, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, raising concerns about their durability and effectiveness moving forward.
Reflections on the Trade Decision
The Clippers’ front office may have been motivated by the fear of losing Powell for nothing as his contract approached its expiration in the summer of 2026. Opting not to extend a 32-year-old player after a career year seemed like a strategic decision. However, the return on that gamble has been disappointing, leading many to believe they overestimated Beal’s potential impact.
As the season progresses, the Clippers’ decision to part ways with Powell in favor of Beal could haunt them if the latter does not significantly improve. With the stakes now higher than ever, the repercussions of this trade will likely resonate throughout the season and beyond.
