The Toronto Raptors have reportedly agreed to sign shooting guard Norman Powell to a four-year, $42 million contract extension. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was first to break the news on Thursday afternoon:
Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell has agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract extension, league sources told ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 5, 2017
Toronto Raptors Sign Norman Powell to Contract Extension
Powell’s extension will keep him with the Raptors until the end of the 2021-22 season. The 24-year-old would have become a restricted free agent in 2018 if left unsigned.
Powell averaged career highs of 8.4 points and 1.1 assists last season. Playing in 76 games last year, Powell is known for contributing off the bench in Toronto. As the backup to All-Star DeMar DeRozan, he plays a key role in the Raptors rotation. The talented guard only started 18 games last campaign.
Averaging almost 12 points during last seasons playoffs, Powell played a key role in the team’s Game 4 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Providing energy and strong defense, he proved his value to the team when it mattered most.
Drafted 46th overall back in 2015, Powell has been with the team for the past two seasons. The former UCLA Bruin is set to play an increased role for Toronto this upcoming season. Replacing Cory Joseph, Powell will likely be the Raptors first option off the bench. With DeRozan and C.J. Miles playing the bulk of the minutes on the wing, Powell will be key in helping the Raptors become a top-four seed once again.
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