Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell, who is having a breakout season, is drawing trade interest ahead of the March 25 deadline.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst spoke about Powell on SportsCenter.
A name that has really emerged in the last few days as I talk to league executives: Norman Powell from Toronto, who is having a career season, averaging almost 20 points, shooting 45 percent from three-point range, had a 40-point game last week. About to be a free agent, the Raptors trying to decide what to do going forward this season and into the future, so Norman Powell could be a surprise name that could help a contender in a late deal this week.
The 27-year-old is averaging 19.6 points (career-high), 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three-point (ninth in the NBA).
Despite Powell’s strong play, the Raptors have lost seven consecutive games and currently sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-24.
Powell can become a free agent this offseason if he eventually declines his $11.6 million player option, so a potential trade could allow the Raptors to get something in return instead of losing him for nothing.
An extension for Powell could also eventually be worked out, but the Raptors already have Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby locked up with long-term deals.
The Raptors will have to decide if they want to be sellers at the trade deadline or keep their roster in tact, as their record doesn’t truly reflect their potential.
