One of this year’s breakout players that did not get much recognition throughout the year is Norman Powell. After starting the year with the Toronto Raptors and in his sixth season with the team, Powell was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA trade deadline this season for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. 

While he is “under contract” for the 2021-22 season, Norman Powell has an $11.6M player option for next season, which he is expected to utilize and opt out of his contract.

With him set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the Trail Blazers are definitely going to be interested in re-signing Powell, but other teams will be targeting the versatile wing. 

Among the other teams that will pursue Norman Powell this offseason, it is expected that the New York Knicks will be a legit contender to potentially sign the 28-year-old wing because of what he brings to the table and how much cap space New York has. 

Entering the offseason, the Knicks will have just under $60M in potential cap space, which is why they are rumored to be targeting a vast amount of free agents this offseason.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Knicks expected to target Norman Powell in NBA free agency

Norman Powell may not be the “marquee” name available in NBA free agency this year, but he is an excellent player that can help a ton of playoff contending teams like the Knicks. Between the Raptors and the Trail Blazers this season, Powell averaged 18.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and shot 47.7% from the floor, 41.1% from three-point range.

The Knicks could definitely use a guy that can convert on the offensive-end of the floor and then play at a high-level defensively, which is why Norman Powell is a real free agent target for them this offseason. This will be a potential pairing to watch in NBA rumors this offseason.

With that said, let’s dive right in and take a look at three reasons why Norman Powell going to the Knicks would be a perfect fit for both sides.