Toronto Raptors: Is Norman Powell a genuine trade candidate?

By Paul Taylor | Oct 5, 2018

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors is fouled by Greg Monroe #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Raptors 106-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

After taking a step back last season for the Toronto Raptors, Norman Powell needs to rebound or risk the genuine possibility of being moved.

When the Toronto Raptors traded for the freshly drafted Norman Powell back in 2015, it made for an intriguing move. He was coming off a productive career at UCLA, which included being voted to the All-Pac-12 first-team and being named first-team all-district by the United States Basketball Writers Association during his senior year.

Powell made teams and media alike sit up and take notice during his rookie season with the Raptors. He particularly showed his talent at the end of the regular season, being named the Eastern Conference’s NBA Rookie of the Month for April.

However, it was the 25-year-old’s second campaign, when he really showed the Raptors and the rest of the league what he was capable of. He became a key part of the rotation as the season progressed, playing in 76 games and even starting on 18 occasions.

Powell also displayed his skills on the big stage, scoring 25 points in Game 5 of the Raptors’ first round playoff series versus the Milwaukee Bucks. He was rewarded with a four-year, $42 million extension, which was generally regarded as a bargain for the team.

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Now though, just one year later and with the extension set to kick in, uncertainty surrounds Powell’s future with the team. As crazy as it might sound, he has reached a crossroads in his career with the Raptors.

The San Diego, California native fell down the rotation depth chart during the 2017-18 campaign, as he had the least productive season of his three-year NBA career. His case wasn’t helped by the emergence of OG Anunoby and Delon Wright as key components off the bench.

As a result, there is now speculation that Powell could be moved. In fact, this talk started back in June during the draft, when TSN‘s Josh Lewenberg reported that the Raptors were gauging interest in the player.

Given the circumstances, Powell heads into the upcoming season knowing it is a crucial one for him. If he wants to have a long-term future in Toronto, he needs to find a way to work his way back up the rotation depth chart.

If nothing else, at least the 2015 46th overall draft pick has confidence and faith in his abilities. As reported by the Toronto Star‘s Doug Smith, he said:

"“I don’t think it was a skill thing. I think it was a fit thing. It was just, after I got hurt I didn’t really fit in with any group. Skill-wise I’m up there with the best of them, so it’s just trying to find opportunities and being ready to go out there and play and make plays and be impactful.”"

New Raptors coach Nick Nurse also has belief in the player. However, this comes with no guarantee; Powell will understandably have to earn the right to play more minutes.

If this doesn’t happen, you can fully expect the Toronto Raptors to look to move Powell before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. And there is every reason to believe there will be a decent amount of genuine interest in him.

We’ve already mentioned the Brewers’ draft pick’s salary, but his versatility is another enticing factor for teams around the NBA. He can play as both a shooting guard and a small forward.

From Powell’s perspective, any trade talk will not phase him. As far as he’s concerned, he has what it takes to return to being a key contributor for the Raptors.

Now, it’s just a case of Powell going out on the court and proving it. There will be plenty of more prominent storylines during what is arguably the most important season in franchise history, but his narrative is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

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How do you see this season playing out for Powell? Will he once again become a key part of the regular rotation, or do you believe he will be traded at some point by the Toronto Raptors? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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