Bulls deadline misses No. 2: Norman Powell
One of the more underrated potential trade targets that Karnisovas and the Bulls could’ve looked into ahead of the deadline was the now former Toronto Raptors breakthrough 27-year-old shooting guard Norman Powell. The Raptors dealt Powell at the deadline to the Portland Trail Blazers, which got them small forward Rodney Hood and shooting guard/wing Gary Trent Jr. in return.
It was an interesting deal that should get the Blazers help off their bench right away from a player having a big season in Powell. Through the first of the regular season, Powell was likely the strongest player, in terms of his overall production, coming off the Raptors bench. He might be able to do the same for the Blazers down the stretch.
Considering that the Bulls could use an offensive spark plug that is more consistent than second-year point guard Coby White off their bench to command the second unit, landing Powell would’ve been big. Or, at least the Bulls getting a piece like Powell would help this team as a whole.
It could still be something that Karnisovas and Eversley try to get to boost Donovan’s bench come next offseason, but there was an opportunity to land a key bench guard like Powell at the deadline this year.
The Bulls did well to get a boost to their bench potentially with the 21-year-old small forward Brown Jr. from the Wizards, and maybe even Green from the Celtics. But neither are as proven or effective so far this season as Powell.