The “Three-and-D” player has become a coveted commodity in today’s NBA, and the Toronto Raptors locked one up on Thursday to the tune of a four-year, $42-million extension for Norman Powell.
Powell has impressed the Raptors in flashes over his two seasons in the league, and Masai Ujiri and Co. clearly believe this is a player poised to take the next step with increased minutes. The UCLA product has embraced whatever role he’s been placed in with the team, from getting reps in the G-League to starting crucial playoff games, so signing him seems like smart business for Toronto.
The 24-year-old has a nose for the basket, boasts a strong work ethic, defends well, and has already won over the fan base. With an average annual salary of $10.5 million, Powell could end up being a bargain for the Raptors considering what he brings to the table. Take into account Tim Hardaway Jr.’s recent four-year, $71-million deal with the Knicks and betting on Powell seems like a smart gamble for the Raptors.
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Here are some notable players who we can compare Powell’s new contract with.
-Tim Hardaway Jr.: New York Knicks, four years, $71 million, $17.75 million average salary
-Kent Bazemore: Atlanta Hawks, four years, $70 million, $17.5 million average salary
-Evan Turner: Portland Trail Blazers, four years, $70 million, $17.5 million average salary
-J.R. Smith: Cleveland Cavaliers, four years, $57 million, $14.25 million average salary
-Joe Ingles: Utah Jazz, four years, $52 million, $13 million average salary
-Courtney Lee: New York Knicks, four years, $48 million, $12 million average salary
-Terrence Ross: Orlando Magic, three years, $31.5 million, $10.5 million average salary
-Iman Shumpert: Cleveland Cavaliers, four years, $40 million, $10 million average salary
-Danny Green: San Antonio Spurs, four years, $40 million, $10 million average salary
-C.J. Miles: Toronto Raptors, three years, $25 million, $8.3 million average salary
