For the casual NBA fans, the name Robert Covington will not automatically ring a bell, but the biggies in the league are chasing after the Minnesota forward, the Los Angeles Lakers including. The Lakers are playing to win the title in the current season, and a missing piece for that mission to be completed could be provided by Covington.
The small forward for the Timberwolves is not a big star in the league, but his importance is undeniable. Covington receives a salary that is more than decent at an average of $12 million over the next three years, somehow indicating his prized basketball skillset.
Unsurprisingly, Covington is regarded as a hot trade item by NBA teams, and there are five of them wanting to lure him away from Minnesota, according to Clutch Points.
The Mavericks are title contender this year mainly because of Luca Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but the team appeared to figure that with the way Covington is playing on the floor, reaching the Finals and winning the crown would be a lot easier with the Timberwolves forward around.
The Sixers, where Covington was just last season, want the player back. They know the quality of the swingman, and he will be a good support for Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, possibly their ticket to win a playoffs slot more comfortably.
Then there's the Miami Heat, although the club has already made clear they'd pass up on Covington for now and work instead with what they have.
The Clippers, too, are in the running despite already having Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Maurice Harkless. Surely it wouldn't hurt if the team, among the favorites to grab the Larry O'Brien this year, would be getting a boost on perimeter scoring and some playmaking, which Covington can provide.
But really, the team that most likely to benefit from having Covington would be the Lakers, according to Silver Screen & Roll.
"Covington would give the Lakers another big player to throw on the likes of George and Leonard with a 7'2 wingspan. He's not just big, though - he can also capably defend both forward positions," the report said.
The forward is also seen to work with Anthony Davis and LeBron James easily. For the latter, his workload would lighten up with the arrival of Covington, who, in turn, is expected to excel further teaming up with the Lakers superstar.
And the best part about Covington is his price tag. The cost of bringing him over would be around $36 million. These are numbers that the Laker's front office can certainly work with.
