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Portland Trail Blazers: Grading every move of the 2021 off season

By Stevie Cozens

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers releases the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers releases the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Move #4 – Sign Norman Powell to a five-year $90 million deal

The Blazers, at the trade deadline in 2021, moved young wing Gary Trent Jr and Rodney Hood to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for exciting guard Norman Powell.

Both Trent Jr and Hood were about to be paid, but the asset swap slightly favored the Blazers as they didn’t have the unpredictable restricted status where Trent could get $18 – 22 million offers, which were predicted last season.

In the end, Powell and Trent got very similar money, but Powell ended up with a straight 5 years.

With the potential for a CJ McCollum trade, the retention of Powell was a key move in the summer. Even if McCollum isn’t to be moved right now, they had to retain Powell so if McCollum was ever traded, they could slot Powell into the more natural two-guard spot.

Also, regardless of moving CJ, they wouldn’t be able to replace Powell if he left. Because they are over the cap, they would have no resources to bring someone else in if they didn’t re-sign him.

Overall, the five-year $90 million deal was a nice move for the team.

Grade – B +