The Rockets appear to be interested in trading for Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell, potentially in a deal involving Victor Oladipo, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
A 6-foot-4 shooting guard, Powell is averaging 19.5 points (43.4% on 3-pointers) in 30.5 minutes per game. Over the last three seasons, the 27-year-old is shooting 41.2% from 3-point range, which makes him one of the NBA’s top perimeter shooters. Feigen elaborates:
Oladipo is expected to be the focus of as many or more talks than any player in the league. Raptors guard Norman Powell, who like Oladipo can be a free agent this summer, is among the Rockets targets with conversations on deals that would involve multiple teams and players, according to an individual with knowledge of the talks. Powell has had a breakthrough season, averaging 19.5 points on 43.5 percent 3-point shooting and is expected to turn down an $11.6 million player option.
ICYMI, Rockets' trade talks focus on moving Victor Oladipo, updated with one trade target to watch https://t.co/9DL0SlEB6J via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 24, 2021
This season’s trade deadline is at 2 p.m. Central on Thursday.
On paper, Powell makes a lot of sense for the Rockets. As one of the NBA’s best 3-point shooters, he could significantly help out the league’s worst 3-point shooting team (by accuracy). And even though the Rockets (12-30) are unlikely to make the playoffs in 2021, Powell is young enough that he could be a valuable contributor for years to come.
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However, whether a deal gets done will likely come down to contract terms, and of Powell wants to be in Houston. While the Rockets also had interest in Orlando forward Aaron Gordon, it appears that those talks stalled once Gordon — a free agent in the 2022 offseason — made it clear that he wasn’t interested in signing a contract extension. With Powell, who could become a free agent in 2021, the stakes are even higher.
Without an extension, the Rockets would basically be in the same place with Powell that they currently are with Oladipo. For a team that is very unlikely to make the 2021 playoffs, it seems doubtful that Houston general manager Rafael Stone would give up any asset of significance for a player whose only guaranteed contribution is in the 2020-21 season. Thus, while Powell makes basketball sense as a trade target, the ultimate viability of a deal will likely depend on business factors, as well.
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