Raptors: Pass or Pursue 3 early trades that could improve the team

2. Dwight Powell, C, Dallas Mavericks

This transaction would get Goran Dragic to Dallas and bring a Canadian to Toronto. He seems to be doing the professional thing now and playing the situation out as a veteran leader, but he’ll still likely be traded.

Dragic has already moved to the bench, and considering the idea that lottery pick Scottie Barnes may be a floor general someday running the offense, giving minutes to Dragic isn’t wise. Barnes has already recorded a double-double just a handful of games into his career, and adding Powell would give Barnes more reps on the perimeter.

Dwight Powell could play well for the Toronto Raptors.

The 6-10 Powell would instantly become Toronto’s tallest frontcourt player and at 240 pounds provide some needed size and girth. The 30-year-old Canadian would be slated for the bench as a serviceable big who has averaged over 20 minutes of playing time in three of the last four seasons.

Powell tallied 11 points in 25 minutes during the Mavericks’ triumph over Toronto.

The true trouble with this deal is Dallas has been rumored to want to keep the popular Powell, as reported here. 

Powell is not an All-Star type center, but on a young team that wants to run and push the tempo, battling for position and rebounding are important to the Raptors’ goals offensively. If this deal is to come to fruition, it may not happen until closer to the trade deadline. Still, Powell would be a solid addition in exchange for Dragic.

Verdict: Pursue.