Toronto Raptors: Evaluating trade value before the deadline
By Kyle Craib
Norman Powell
Contract: $10.1M (2021/22 option)
Trade Value: A-
It’s good to see “Playoff Powell” sticking around during the regular season. Before this year, the athletic guard was known for his explosiveness and bursts of electric shooting. This season, however, the element of consistency has finally been added to his game. Powell finally provides to the Raptors a reliable option their playmakers can trust in the offense.
Powell has faced problems with his left shoulder, the same shoulder which has caused him to miss games during the past two seasons. But, unlike years prior, Powell came back from the injury re-energized and seemingly did not missing a beat in his development. In his first five games back from the sidelines, Powell averaged 23.6 points per game while being a plus-51 while on the court. However, because of a recent injury to his figure, Powell is once again out indefinitely.
While Powell still has moments of indecision leading to unnecessary turnovers, he has finally stopped forcing his shots in the offense. This paired with his intensity on defense makes Powell a very desirable trade target. His value is at its peak during his tenure with the Raptors, and if a move were to be made, the timing is perfect.