Report: Raptors turned down Powell-for-Drummond trade offer from Cavs
After scoring a career-high 43 points in a Wednesday loss against the Detroit Pistons, it’s not a surprise that multiple teams are looking to acquire Norman Powell prior to the March 25 trade deadline. What’s less shocking, is that the Raptors were unwilling to trade Powell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for center Andre Drummond, according to Marc Stein.
Think it's rather evident why the Raptors were thoroughly unwilling to surrender Norman Powell in a trade for Andre Drummond.
Toronto registered trade interest in Drummond long ago, but Cleveland wanted Powell, who scored 43 tonight for Toronto in a narrow defeat at Detroit https://t.co/TyjyO7j045— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 18, 2021
Since entering the starting lineup on Jan. 22, Powell has been on a scoring tear, especially over the last seven games, averaging 30.2 points per game while shooting at an incredibly-efficient rate of 57.9 percent from the field.
Norman Powell has been on an absolute tear lately.
▫️43 PTS | 3 REB | 14/18 FG
▫️32 PTS | 5 AST | 13/22 FG
▫️13 PTS | 3 REB | 4/14 FG
▫️33 PTS | 4 AST | 11/20 FG
▫️25 PTS | 4 AST | 7/17 FG
▫️36 PTS | 5 REB | 14/20 FG
▫️30 PTS | 3 REB | 10/15 FG pic.twitter.com/GMOtPhXJ4m— ProCity Hoops (@ProCityHoops) March 18, 2021
After experiencing a slow start to the season, the 27-year-old shooting guard quickly turned it around and established himself as a key piece to the team’s future, which already includes Fred Vanvleet, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam.
Powell is the Raptors' third-leading scorer behind VanVleet (19.9 PPG) and Siakam (19.8 PPG), averaging 19.7 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from three.
As the team continues to struggle, Powell is blossoming into an elite scorer and will likely opt out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, which means the team will have to decide whether to get a return on his value or re-sign him during the offseason.
With one week left in the trade deadline, it’s also been reported that Kyle Lowry won’t be available via trade, despite months of speculation.
Whether the roster includes Powell or not, the Raptors are looking to make a strong push for the playoffs or play-in tournament in the second half of the season.
“It’s going to be interesting to see if we do anything for the short-term or long-term,” Nick Nurse said after Wednesday’s game. “They deserve to make a push because they’ve proven that they can play well against the best teams in the league, and then what do you do about the future?”
