Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Toronto Raptors have traded guard Norman Powell to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for wings Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood.
Powell, an emerging young wing, has averaged 17.6 points on .419 percent shooting from 3-point range this season. With a player option on his contract for the 2021-22 season, the Raptors were able to capitalize of his rising trade value and retain their salary cap flexibility by not having to sign the six-year veteran to a costly contract.
Powell may come off the bench for the Blazers with guard C.J. McCollum returning from his early-season injury. However, with a 6’11” wingspan, he’s a feasible option beside both McCollum and All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard in the frontcourt despite being listed at 6’3.”
For the Raptors, Trent can fit the three-and-D archetype while excelling in what’s been a career season for him as well. The son of former NBA big man Gary Trent, the third-year pro is averaging 15.0 points per game while shooting .397 percent from deep (on 7.4 3-point attempts per game).
Hood’s once promising career has taken a less-than-stellar turn as he overcomes myriad injuries but the lefty is still a savvy veteran who can stretch the floor with a career 3-point percentage of .368.
