The NBA offseason is quickly approaching. With the 2021 NBA Draft three weeks away and free agency beginning shortly after that, rumors are beginning to swirl about how teams may look to upgrade their rosters.
There are a number of teams that will have money to spend this offseason, which will be good for players looking to cash in. One of the players that are expected to do well in NBA free agency is the Portland Trail Blazers wing, Norman Powell.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
The Trail Blazers acquired Powell from the Toronto Raptors prior to the NBA Trade Deadline in exchange for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. Powell has an $11.6 million player option for the 2021-22 season but is expected to decline that and seek a new deal that pays about $20 million annually.
Powell will be a popular target for teams, and we now know another team that is interested in signing him. According to LegionHoopsRoss, the Dallas Mavericks are interested in bringing the California native to town.
The Dallas Mavericks reportedly having an interest in Powell is eyebrow-raising because their own wing player, Tim Hardaway Jr., is also a free agent this offseason.
Does Dallas have eyes on retaining Hardaway Jr. and signing Powell to further bolster the talent around franchise cornerstone, Luka Doncic? Or is Powell one of the players they will target as a backup plan in the case of them losing Hardaway Jr.?
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 4 potential replacements for Tim Hardaway Jr. if he departs the Mavericks
It will be something to keep an eye on, as Powell would undoubtedly be a solid fit in Dallas. However, the Trail Blazers want to keep Powell and he is expected to also receive a lot of interest from the New York Knicks.
Norman Powell averaged 18.6 points per game between Toronto and Portland, chipping in 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals, while also providing solid defense on the perimeter. His 3-point shooting, as he knocked down 41.1 percent of his attempts this season, will also be coveted by teams.