Toronto Raptors: Grading all three Raptor trades from the trade deadline
By Joseph Zita
The Toronto Raptors were among the main headlines entering the NBA trade deadline day as they had two of the more valuable players up for trade. They ended the day a much different team, as Kyle Lowry survived the trade rumors that
The Raptors entered the NBA trade deadline having Kyle Lowry and Powell up for trade as they are currently on the outside of a playoff spot looking in.
Lowry had interest from a handful of teams around the league for a possible trade, and Powell had interest from teams up into the “teens”, as some insiders had reported. Well, fast forward past the Thursday 3 pm deadline, and the Raptors ended up trading more than just Norman Powell, as they traded away Matt Thomas and Terence Davis as well.
The team ended up keeping Kyle Lowry past the deadline, but that doesn’t stop us from talking about the other moves they made today.
How did the Toronto Raptors’ trades grade out?
Trade 1: Norman Powell to Portland in exchange for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood
Toronto has traded Norm Powell to Portland for Gary Trent and Rodney Hood, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
It was just a matter of time when Powell would get dealt from the Toronto Raptors as he has emerged himself into a deadly scorer for this Raptors team. Having a career year averaging 19.6 points per game and shooting lights out from the field too, he has made himself into a deadly threat on the court that any team would benefit greatly from if they acquired him.
Sending Powell to Portland was one of the better trades that we saw during the trade deadline because the Raptors actually got a good young piece in Gary Trent Jr. and an extra body in Rodney Hood.
Trent, who is 22 years old is basically a younger version of Powell who can shoot the ball well and score at a good rate. Hood, who is 28 years old, is just another body in the organization that set to become a UFA in 2022, but his contract next season is non-guaranteed. He may not even be on the team next season after all despite his history as a scorer.
How did the Raptors do in this trade?
This trade benefits both teams for their current situations this season. Portland, who is currently in a playoff spot, gets a player in Powell who we already know has turned into a lethal scorer and shooter that can defiantly help out this Trail Blazers team alongside guys like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
Now Toronto gets a young player who is already in his third season in the league and has flashes of a similar play style to Norman Powell. He can shoot the three well, defend, and obviously has room to grow even more into a better player. Hood has a non-guaranteed contract next season and will be a decent option coming off the bench.