Norman Powell Reveals Toronto Raptors-Based Desire on N3on's Livestream

With the Toronto Raptors nearing the finalization of the trade to reacquire seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, the 2019 NBA Championship team has been brought up in countless ways. Fans have debated the potential outcome of a rematch if both teams were healthy, compared this year’s Raptors squad to the championship team, and even pondered whether Leonard could play at a similar level as he did when he won his second Finals MVP. 

Another aspect being brought up is the incredible development of the young players from the 2019 squad. Players like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Norman Powell have all gone on to earn All-Star appearances or make more Finals appearances with more prominent roles. This season’s team has players like Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Allen Graves who have the potential to show they can do the same in the future. 

One commonly seen action for former Raptors players is praising the fans and the city. That was maintained when Powell, who is fresh off his first career All-Star appearance, joined popular YouTuber N3on for a livestream. While the fans were calling Powell a “Raptor legend,” someone asked the new member of the Chicago Bulls if he would ever consider retiring with Toronto like his former teammate, Kyle Lowry. 

“I think I would,” said Powell. “I would wanna play like a season; I wouldn’t just wanna go there and retire … hear the name announced again, play on the court again at home, kinda that stuff.”

Obviously, this isn’t any sort of commitment to returning to Toronto anytime soon, especially considering he just signed a new two-year deal. However, his enthusiasm about the franchise and the subject at hand is very telling of how special it is to play for the Raptors. When talking about his experience with the team after winning the championship, he recalls it as “insane,” detailing the immediate celebration followed by a trip to Las Vegas the next day. 

While Powell is 33 years old, this farewell tour could come sooner rather than later if it comes to fruition. The future contract for RJ Barrett is up in the air at this point, but Walter’s deal will be up in two years, just like Powell's. Assuming there is money to spend, he could be an elite addition to back up the rising star as they continue to contend for championships in the near future around Scottie Barnes. Coming back to Toronto and helping the Raptors win a second championship would be an excellent way to cement himself as a true legend of the franchise, if he desired that title.