Portland Trail Blazers: Grading day one of 2021 Free Agency
By Andy Quach
The Portland Trail Blazers re-sign Norman Powell for five-years/$90 million
Not only were the Trail Blazers able to re-sign Powell to a long-term contract, they might’ve gotten him for a discount. At an average salary of $18 million, Portland landed him for five years on a contract not far off from what Malik Beasley earns with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
For comparison, Duncan Robinson just signed a deal of the same length and total earnings with the Miami Heat. While Robinson is younger and has room for growth, at this point in their careers, Powell is objectively the better player.
Powell not only shot a more accurate percentage from deep than renowned sniper Robinson, he’s also a much more well-rounded offensive player and miles better as a defender.
Not only is keeping Powell the player a win for the Blazers, retaining Powell the asset is arguably even better. By keeping the explosive shooting guard, it opens the possibility for a CJ McCollum trade—if Olshey “about faces” his initial opinion on moving the veteran scorer.
Powell has also inked a very tradeable deal, in the case that flipping him becomes necessary. A long-term, medium-range contract is one of the most desired trade pieces in the league, and the Blazers just secured theirs.
Grade: A+