One of the biggest priorities for the Los Angeles Clippers is complete. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that forward Robert Covington agrees to a two-year, $24M extension with the club. Covington arrived in a mid-season trade from the Portland Trail Blazers along with Norman Powell.
Covington Agrees to Extension with LA
Initially seen as a throw-in, Covington quickly made his presence felt. Specifically on the defensive end. Covington’s quick hands and elite help defense made him a fan favorite. In the 2021-22 season, Covington ranked sixth in deflections and averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds on 50% shooting and 45% from three in just over 22 minutes.
Covington received high praise from his teammates and his coach. Ty Lue referenced him as “another Nico [Batum]“. Both forwards’ ability to be perfect glue guys for the team has brought the team together and will only do better once their stars return. In their two games together in the Play-In Tournament, the duo posted a 91.7 defensive rating and a 25.3 net rating. Both are good for second-best on the team. The best duo in those regards? Covington and Marcus Morris.
Covington’s versatility to play small and stretch the floor gives the Clippers another great supporting piece to pair with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The 2022-23 season is seen as one of the best chances for the Clippers, as they are seen as early favorites if healthy.
More moves are on the horizon. It will be interesting to see what Covington’s new salary means for the futures of Batum and Morris. Batum has a player option to return to the team next season. And some see Morris as a potential trade piece this summer. The Clippers’ front office is unpredictable, but they made their priorities clear in the Covington extension. Look for the brain trust to make more moves in an attempt to fully equip this team for a history-making title run next season.
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