Many front offices around the NBA are skeptical that the Raptors will ultimately part ways with point guard Kyle Lowry due to a variety of factors, including his $30.5MM salary, but swingman Norman Powell is a “far different story,” writes Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
As Fischer notes, Powell is expected to decline his $11.6MM player option this offseason to reach unrestricted free agency. Executives around the league anticipate an annual salary of at least $20MM for Powell, says ESPN’s Zach Lowe, so if the Raptors are at all uncertain about giving him a substantial raise this summer, they’ll likely gauge his trade market this week.
One team capologist who spoke to Fischer said he believes there’s a 75% chance Powell will be dealt this week.
According to Fischer, sources have linked the Mavericks, Celtics, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Hawks to discussions for Powell, and the Cavaliers are believed to have asked for him in their Andre Drummond trade talks with Toronto, though there’s no indication those negotiations gained momentum.
The Knicks are also considered a possible suitor for Powell, with one team official referring to the high-scoring wing as a “perfect Tom Thibodeau player,” Fischer writes. New York still has over $15MM in cap room and could theoretically acquire Powell without including any outgoing salary.
Powell, 27, is in the midst of a career year, having averaged 19.6 points per game on .496/.444/.872 shooting in 40 contests (30.4 MPG). As Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes, only one other player – Zach LaVine – has both attempted more shots and has a higher true shooting percentage than Powell this season.
Noting that retaining Powell through the deadline and re-signing him would essentially lock the Raptors into a core of Powell, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby, Koreen contends that the time may be right to consider moving the 27-year-old to gain added financial flexibility, draft picks, and/or younger players.
Why would they trade away a young and cheaper guy with untapped potential and keep the 35 year old who costs 30 million a year?
Excellent point
Because Lowry’s next contract will be super cheap … and Powell’s won’t.
why would toronto keep a average player wanting 20 million next season
I don’t know that Powell is an average player. When he gets minutes, he produces. His shooting percentages are strong, plays solid defense, and has the size/speed combination to guard 1’s through 3’s.
I would not be surprised to see him put up 20+ a game at some point in the next few years.
That said, if the Raptors really believe they can get back in the playoff hunt, they’re going to have to move him or Lowry for size. As much as people keep suggesting that Boucher has had a breakout year, the Raps are still getting killed on both the O and D boards. They need size.
Agree with you. Powell looks much more than average to me also. Powell is in a great situation. Powell is having a break out season. The way I understand Powell’s contract is that Powell can either opt in for $11 million or opt out. Powell will undoubtedly opt out. If Powell opts out, is Powell a complete unrestricted FA in which he is free to sign with whatever team he chooses to? Or is Powell an RFA in which Toronto can match offers? Obviously this is Powell’s opportunity for a big payday. Say a contract for somewhere between $60 and $80 million for four years.
UFA, the article said and presumed. I have already predicted a 4/$88mil.
Most recall him as an off&on sub, and not really gritty, but he’s not staying that way. TOR has won its big offerings to FVV, Lowry, Siakam and Anunoby… they kept playing hard.
Lowry equals success there, so they don’t want him leaving. But there are three good guards.
UFA means a team can keep raising the offer until TOR breaks… next offseason. Trade him now and get a big for PHL, MIA or BRK.
I like the chances of Powell going to Denver. They are in need of SG and PF help. If Nuggets pull off Gordon, Powell that would be a good deadline haul for them. Possibly make them top team in the west.
I like that plan, just not sure how Denver manages it.
A variation with Collins, Bogdanovich is intriguing also. Atlanta could use the defense of Harris situationally, Barton is shooting .395 from deep. I can see some possibilities, definitely no for-sure’s unfortunately!
Powell for Bagley? That’s fair. Powell,McCaw, Stanley Johnson and a late pick for Bamba, Fournier and a first round pick.
I see powell to the hawks in a deal for Collins. Hawks signing Gallinari and Bogdanovic didnt help. They could use a defender next to Young and Raptors could use a big next to Siakam.
Tyrese Maxey along with a first and second round pick and Mike Scott, get Powell to Philly?
Insert Powell into the starting lineup and watch them clash with the Nets.