Trade Norman Powell?

Powell is the most promising young player on the Roster and for this reason he has become a fan favorite who many deem untouchable when this should not be the case.

At 6'4 220lbs Powell is best suited at the guard position, particularly the shooting guard position. The two best players on the Raptors occupy the two starting guard spots. Powell is a starter caliber player but he isn't good enough to start over Derozan or Lowry, so if he were to start he we be forced to play the small forward a position which he is too small defensively to start at. So unless he makes a huge leap offensively we would be at a disadvantage on most nights.

Against most teams Powell at the 3 is fine but most of the top teams have a superstar small forward. The Raptors have no problem beating the middle tier teams but they need something different to beat the best team.

Norm is a free agent soon as this will be his 3rd season, he has two full years remaining on his contract but his value will continue to drop from this point, he's already the team's most valuable trade piece.

If we do trade it should be for a 2 way star and Marc Gasol is a great option to explore. The west has gotten much better which is bad news for a team that only won 43 this previous season. The Grizzlies' two best players are on the wrong side of 30 and they don't have too many young prospects who development would keep them in playoff contention. If the Grizzlies are below .500 I would not be surprised if they decide to blow it up, trading Gasol and/or Conley.

Marc Gasol for Norman Powell and Jonas Valanciunas seems realistic and beneficial for both teams, Gasol can do all of the things that Casey wants from a center since he can defend shoot and pass. Norm and Valanciunas will probably never reach their full potential with the Raptors but the Grizzlies would love a traditional young center like Valanciunas, they would actually run offense through him. The Grizzlies love Tony Allen and Powell is Tony Allen with an offensive game.

A starting lineup of Lowry, Derozan, Miles, Ibaka and Gasol looks great Along with Wright, Anunoby, Siakam and Poeltl off the bench. That would make this team excellent on both sides of the ball. The bench wouldn't be the best Shooting team but the starting 5 would be great from behind the arc.

We could do the same trade for DeMarcus Cousins.