The 2021 NBA Playoffs aren’t even close to being over, but the NY Knicks rumors are swirling viciously and this week’s free agency target is Portland’s Norman Powell.
Although the report from Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network is a bit dated, I’ve noticed a lot of independent Knicks content creators online discussing the idea of Powell signing with NY in the offseason lately.
Massey stated:
"Powell has had a big season split between the Toronto Raptors and Trail Blazers. He has shown off an elite three-point shooting ability and has been able to create his own shot consistently. Those are skills that the Knicks could use.He ended the year averaging 18.6 points per game to go along with 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Powell shot 47.7 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers show why the Knicks should absolutely look to pursue Powell in free agency.No one knows what kind of money it will take to sign Norman Powell this offseason. However, the Knicks are going to have some money to spend. If they want to bring in a scoring wing to add more three-point shooting, Powell could be the route they choose to go."
It comes as no surprise that the Knicks are a potential suitor for Powell’s services, as they were rumored to be in on trading for him at this most recent trade deadline.
As Massey mentioned, prior to this year’s deadline, Powell was shooting a blistering 47% from 3-point land and could have been a huge addition for New York’s roster.
Should Knicks be all-in on a Norman Powell signing in the offseason?
The front office seemingly didn’t want to make any big splashes and would much rather approach this offseason with as clean a slate as possible.
In regards to what Powell could potentially sign for, it may take a sizable contract to pry him away from the Blazers per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
"The Trail Blazers assuredly did not swap Gary Trent Jr. for Norman Powell at the trade deadline with the intention of letting Powell leave for nothing. But Portland continues to stare at an increasingly expensive luxury-tax bill, and Powell’s first trip to the open market could push his salary number far higher than what the Blazers are comfortable paying.“I think Norman Powell is gonna get 20-plus easily,” said the personnel evaluator. “He’s just a guy that can play with anybody. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He’s a good defender, he’s a great athlete, he gets to the rim. You can play him at the 3, you can play him at the 2. He’s a great character guy.”New York could pose the biggest threat to lure Powell away from the Pacific Northwest, as Thibodeau is considered a noted fan of the swingman. Even more so than Dinwiddie, a large list of suitors emerged for Powell ahead of the deadline, and he’s two years younger than Hardaway. He also fits the mold for what Miami is currently missing on the perimeter."
I think Powell fits everything the Knicks need and if I were Leon Rose, I’d definitely see what the asking price could potentially be.
That said, if it were upwards of $21 million per year, I’d pass.
I think a fair contract would be something in the realm of what Julius Randle had been signed for.
Something in the ballpark of 3-years, $60 million with a team option on the 3rd year.
What say you, Knicks Nation?
Should the Knickerbockers pursue Norman Powell in the offseason if his asking price is around $20 million per season?