The trade deadline continues to keep NBA front offices on their toes. This time around, the Portland Trail Blazers swoop out of nowhere to acquire Toronto Raptors’ guard Norm Powell via trade.
Toronto has traded Norm Powell to Portland for Gary Trent and Rodney Hood, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
While the Trail Blazers seek to solidify its position in the Western Conference, the Raptors remain sellers after a letdown season. Thankfully, for Portland, Norm Powell fits the need of a legitimate second-unit leader.
The Raptors receive a restricted free agent in Gary Trent Jr and the veteran Rodney Hood. If the Raptors front office deems it necessary, Trent Jr could see himself as a future Toronto piece. However, Masai Ujuri flipping him for future assets once eligible seems plausible.
Although Powell’s contract expires this summer, playoff contenders can afford the risk. Shooting 43 percent from deep on 6.4 attempts fits the bill of the Trail Blazers.
Terry Stotts will need to shorten his rotation in the postseason; Powell allows him to confidently tighten his circle. When either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum sits, Powell has the ability to take over in spurts.
Contrary to predictions suggesting the NBA trade deadline would come and go like a whisper in the wind, the action is hot and heavy.
For all your NBA trade deadline updates make sure to follow Def Pen.
