Piece By Alaa Alarashi
Raptors fans seemed devastated as much as Norman Powell was the day of the trade deadline. In fact, Powell admitted to calling his former teammates and crying about the trade. Toronto traded Powell to the Portland Trail Blazers for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood on March 25th. There didn’t seem to be much expectation and the trade looked even overall. However, the Raptors might have won the trade for a few simple reasons.
Powell was such a strong force for the Raptors in the five and a half seasons he was in Toronto. He was constantly on a team that seemed to be improving each year but couldn’t get over the hump until essentially LeBron James left the Eastern Conference. It was then that Norm and the Raptors went on a run in the 2019 playoffs after acquiring Kawhi Leonard in a trade with the Spurs. DeMar DeRozan, who was a fan favorite was the sacrifice in order for Toronto to win its first ever title. Powell, proved to be integral in the run and was part of a rotation of bench players that made an impact night in and night out.
Powell seemed to be part of the long term plans for the Raptors after being paid 10 million a year through the 2021-2022 season. But, it also meant that if Toronto could trade him they might get back multiple players. The genius mind of Masai Ujiri, President of the Raptors, did not disappoint. Ujiri was able to get back a similar player in Trent Jr. who is younger (22) and a small forward in Hood.
So, how has it been since the trade? Trent Jr. is averaging 21.5 points on 50% three point shooting in the last four games for the Raptors. Powell on the other hand is averaging 13.5 points on 37.9% shooting for the Blazers.
If that wasn’t enough, the Raptors were able to get rid of a huge contract in Norman Powell who is being paid 10 million a year, as opposed to Gary Trent Jr. who is earning a little bit above a million, $1.3M a year. Trent Jr. will definitely receive his payday, but the upside will match as long as he keeps improving.
Although it seems a bit early to judge the long term outcome of this trade, the Raptors should be happy. Trent Jr. in just six games with Toronto has had a game winner and the highest +/- in Raptors history. It hasn’t yet translated into more wins for the Raptors but also the talent level is drastically different for both teams. Blazers have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum alongside a savvy veteran in Carmelo Anthony. The Raptors simply don’t have the same star power. If the Raptors are able to use their young core to their advantage, they will be able to compete for a championship sooner than later. Once again, Ujiri is the mastermind behind the trade.