When the Toronto Raptors traded guard Norman Powell at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, it wasn’t without appreciation for all he has accomplished with the organization in his five seasons as a Raptor. It also wasn’t without consideration of what the team could gain with the arrival of guard Gary Trent Jr. and guard-forward Rodney Hood.
“We got two players, Rodney’s more proven and then Gary Trent Jr. is a 22-year-old player with lots of upside,” Raptors President Masai Ujiri said. “[Trent Jr. is] a shooter, a defender. I think [they] fit our core team, and that’s what we’re excited about.