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Toronto Raptors: Why Norman Powell is likely to be traded next

By Mike Bossetti

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 8 - Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 8 - Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 2: CJ McCollum
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 2: CJ McCollum /

Why Norman Powell makes sense

Roster Fit:

With the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, the Raptors have immense depth at both wing positions.

Yes, the departure of DeMar DeRozan counteracts that slightly, but Toronto is still looking at an additional 25 minutes per game to find space for. Considering Toronto already had one of the deepest teams in the league last year, making room will be tough.

If Powell couldn’t work his way into the rotation last year, it’s hard to imagine him working his way into the fold now with an additional player ahead of him. 

At 6’4″ with very little playmaking skills, Powell is almost exclusively a shooting guard. Currently, Toronto has four guards (Lowry, VanVleet, Green, and Wright), who should all expect to receive more time than Powell.

When divvying up minutes between two positions, four is depth, five is a crowd.

Long term cap flexibility:

It’s no secret that the Raptors are gearing up for the summer of 2020. After trading DeRozan, Powell’s contract is the only guaranteed deal past 2019. OG does have a team option of $3.8 million that will be almost certainly picked up barring an early retirement.

At his age, it’s entirely possible Powell will be worth the $10.9 owed to him in 2020. After last season, it’s also entirely possible he won’t be.

If Toronto is serious about opening as much space as possible for 2020, they’ll want to remove any possibility of dead-space, for now that includes Norman Powell.

Potential trade value:

Powell’s biggest advantage among other trade candidates is his age. Powell is only 25 years-old and has played just three seasons in the NBA. It’s entirely possible teams will talk themselves into the idea Norman Powell being a long-term asset.

It’s not a crazy notion either. There is a reason Powell was given a huge contract extension and if he can return to his 2016-2017 form trading Powell might be a home-run.

Next: Three ways the Kawhi Leonard trade improves the Raptors

It’s not quite clear what Toronto will need to attach along with Powell to shed his salary, but with few other options it looks like it may be the price Toronto needs to pay.