The Raptors are gauging interest in Norman Powell prior to the draft, Josh Lewenberg of The Sports Network reports.
Any potential suitor would have to believe the 6’4” swingman has untapped potential, considering his four-year, $42MM extension kicks in next season. Powell was a disappointment in his third NBA season, as his production and playing time tailed off from his sophomore campaign.
He’ll make approximately $9.37MM in the first year of the contract. However, the extension doesn’t kick in until July 1st, which makes him easier to trade before that time. The acquiring team would only have to match or absorb the $1.47MM he made last season to make the trade work. If he’s dealt after this month, the acquiring team would have to match up salaries or absorb his salary from the first year of the extension.
Powell lost his starting spot early in the season and averaged 5.5 PPG, 1.7 RPG and 1.3 APG in 15.2 MPG while appearing in 70 games. His long-range shooting was an issue, as he knocked down just 28.5% of his 3-point tries. He averaged 8.4 PPG and made 32.4% of his 3-point attempts during his second season.
Toronto’s front office believes it has enough depth at the wing positions to deal Powell, Lewenberg continues, and his combination of youth, athleticism and high character could draw some interest. The return would be minimal, Lewenberg opines, perhaps nothing more than a second-round pick. Removing Powell’s salary would give them more cap space to retain restricted free agent Fred VanVleet, which GM Bobby Webster considers his highest offseason priority.
Woof what a garbage contract
Agreed. What team wants to acquire powell?
Norman Powell has to be the most anonymous NBA player there is. I doubt even 5% of NBA fans could pick him out of a lineup if he was wearing his jersey.
I remember he once had a monster dunk over Anthony Davis in a game. For real, he’s shown promise early on but I don’t really know what happened this year. He seemed to just fall to Earth.
How on earth did Toronto give him such a bad contract, & now want rid of him before it even kicks in, they should put up with their bad decisions & keep him for at least the first 3 years as punishment for been a dreadful FO.
Didn’t the Raptors win 60 games last year? Time to clean house!!
Whats funny is thst this yesr everyone is adamant that we sign FVF and hes top priority… and everyone was saying the same thing when it was Powell that needed to be resigned… Everyone was in love with Powell…