3 most impactful Toronto Raptors deals at the trade deadline
By Mike Luciano
2. Gary Trent Jr. for Norman Powell, 2021
This is as late an entry as possible, but it still warrants inclusion. Apprehensive about giving fan favorite Norman Powell a contract close to the five-year, $90 million deal the Trail Blazers would eventually pay up, Toronto sent him to Portland in exchange for Trent and Rodney Hood.
There was some measured skepticism about this deal, especially considering the former second-round pick’s lack of defensive skill and experience as a high-level scorer. Considering the strides he has made this season, the trade is looking better than it ever has.
The Toronto Raptors are watching Gary Trent Jr. evolve.
Trent is averaging 17.4 points per game (at the time of writing) this season, and his 3-point shots have helped him emerge as one of the few proven above-average shooters on this roster. Trent is a big part of what the Raptors want to do in the short and long-term future.
His defensive skills might be the biggest selling point at this point in his career. Plenty of young guards can shoot and score in this league, but pairing that with an ability to generate turnovers with steals only increases his value. Powell was likely leaving in free agency anyway, and swapping him out for Trent looks like a great move.