Toronto Raptors: Mapping out 3 Norman Powell trade options
By Avishai Sol
Norman Powell trade No. 1: The 76ers get Norm
The 76ers are on the fast track to the NBA Finals. With an MVP-level season from Joel Embiid, a DPOY-level season from Ben Simmons, and superstar GM Daryl Morey surrounding those two with a supporting cast of strong off-ball shooters, and it’s hard to argue with the 76ers being the best team in the East.
Powell would fit them perfectly. The one hole in that team has is at the wing position. A 2-3 who can score, defend, and not make mistakes in a playoff war with the Nets. Matisse Thybulle brings the defensive piece of that puzzle, but Powell brings all three.
As the playoffs go on, teams start dropping their bench guys from their rotation. A championship team must have at least five guys they trust. With Embiid, Simmons, Harris, Curry, and then Powell, Philly could win it all. That’s why they’d want to take this trade.
Would a Norman Powell trade to Philly help the Raptors?
As far as the Raptors go, Tony Bradley has been making some waves lately. With a couple of solid games after years of bouncing around the league, one might think this guy is a valuable asset to the 76ers. In reality, he’s a bench warmer. He doesn’t get a lot of minutes, but he has been ticking upward lately, He could be the kind of glass-cleaner that the Raptors need.
Tyrese Maxey is, of course, the centerpiece of this trade. While he’s been an advanced metrics and media darling with his high motor and 3-and-D mentality, he’s only been averaging around seven points per game this year. It’s doubtful the 76ers would pass up on Powell because Maxey is too high a price. Should be a contender for the all-rookie 2nd team.
Throw in Mike Scott to make the money work and we have a deal.