The Raptor that Didn’t Return Home: Norman Powell

It’s February 1, 2026, one week before the newly implemented formula of the 2026 All-Star Game takes place. 12-minute quarters, four games in one night, and three teams: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World.

The rosters became official that same day, and debates among individuals and analysts began. However, one All-Star stood out above the rest. Not only was it his first major career recognition, but he achieved something many in his position never accomplished. Indeed, he earned it.

At 32 years of age, Norman Powell made his first All-Star appearance as a pro with the Miami Heat. At that age, it’s rare for players even to reach their statistical peak in their early 30s, let alone make an All-Star team. In a study conducted by Tony Salameh of Bryant University, the median age in the late 90s was around 30; since then, it has decreased, with the present median around 24-28 years of age.

Powell completely debunked that study, posting career-high statistics all across the board in 2025-26. This was accomplished in his lone season with the Miami Heat in 2026, making him an intriguing asset in free agency, and he eventually agreed to a two-year, $45 million deal with the Chicago Bulls this offseason.

Despite all this, something felt absent. What would it truly mean if Powell had returned to the Toronto Raptors? How would the roster look, and what potential reasons led to the cessation of any interest from Toronto?

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Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) raises his arms toward an official during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Photo Credit: Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Powell has always been a hard worker. He entered the league as the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2015 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Powell experienced the cruelty of the NBA early, being traded to the Toronto Raptors on the day he was drafted, along with a 2017 first-round pick, for Greivis Vasquez.

His summer league performance showed flashes of what he could become, consistently making an impact on both sides of the ball and even earning him the label of the ‘steal of the draft.’ His consistency made him the only rookie named to the All-NBA Summer League First Team in 2015.

After a hot start to a career like this, many would expect a second-round rookie to slow down, especially in the regular season. But if you haven’t got the message already, Powell is part of the 1%, if not less. The start of his rookie year was more about balancing the life of a G-League athlete and a part-time NBA guard; however, a thumb injury and eventual ankle surgery to Terrence Ross, along with the absence of DeMarre Carroll, led to Powell’s role blossoming. He played 14.8 minutes in the 2015-16 regular season, averaging 5.6 points, and helped Toronto win crucial games in late February through April.

Just three years later, in 2019, Powell would see an expanded role on the roster, playing a career-high 18.8 minutes per game, totaling 8.6 points and shooting 48.3% from the field. His postseason numbers only increased, which contributed to the Raptors first-ever Larry O’ Brien in 2019.

Unfortunately, Powell’s time in Toronto was visibly ending faster than anyone would’ve expected. He dealt with a shoulder injury and fractured his fourth metacarpal, the appendicular bone that forms one’s hand. This would later lead to his departure, as he was traded to Portland in March of 2021, ending an era that began as an underdog story and ended in unfamiliar beginnings.

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Antonio Reeves (12) defends Chicago Bulls guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half at United Center. Photo Credit: David Banks, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

The Chicago Bulls average age is 25.22, placing them sixth in the league in terms of a young roster entering the new year. Powell is the oldest player on the Bulls at 33, with Buddy Hield as the runner-up. But for Chicago, this isn’t a foreign concept.

In 2025-26, the Bulls’ oldest player was Nikola Vučević, who emerged as one of the better veterans in the Eastern Conference, averaging 16.9 points, 9 total rebounds, and a field goal percentage of 50.5% before being dealt to the Boston Celtics ahead of the mid-season trade deadline.

Just take it from Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, who wrote a piece back in April of 2025 titled, “Bulls’ Vučević has quietly become one of the NBA’s most consistent players.”

“Vučević, who turns 35 in October, is the oldest player on a suddenly younger and more athletic Bulls squad,” Mayberry said. “Surrounded by jovial twentysomethings inside a loose and lighthearted locker room, Vučević easily could be targeted with endless wisecracks. But the Bulls appreciate their anchor too much.”

It’s hard not to see a similarity in Powell, who constantly works, even when the lights aren’t shining. He doesn’t complain and has understood his role on every team he’s been on.

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Toronto Raptors small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

After a first-round exit to Cleveland, Toronto made it a mission to improve their roster with the blockbuster addition of Kawhi Leonard and the draft of Allen Graves. It was headlined by bizarre offseason rumors, most notably involving Kyrie Irving and DeMar DeRozan. Yet there were still ways the Raptors could improve across the roster, especially in three-point shooting.

Last season, Toronto shot 35.2% from three, placing them 21st out of all 3o teams in that category. It gets even worse when looking at their three-point attempts (32.1), which tied or were slightly better than those of teams that fell short of a postseason appearance in 2026, including the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks (31.9), to name a few. But when an individual like Powell is an unrestricted free agent, why not sign him?

With a talented roster like the Raptors, there’s much more emphasis on money and cap control than anything else. The Raptors are currently $1.2 million under the first apron, and just $13.9 million under the second apron line. Toronto is also $49.3 million over the salary cap, with a total payroll of $214.2 million. Compare that to the Chicago Bulls, and the difference is visible: $40.9 million under the first apron and $53.6 million under the second, with a total payroll of $165.8 million.

Much of this is in Chicago’s favor: their young players are still on their rookie deals, but overall, comparing sides, the Bulls looked like the better fit, team-wise and on paper.

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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Cody Williams (9) defends Chicago Bulls guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half at United Center. Photo Credit: David Banks, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Season openers are exciting in all aspects for teams, but this year’s for Toronto is bigger than the game of basketball. It’s the return of someone who achieved so much in a short duration for the Raptors. Powell is a symbol of Raptors basketball and can be used as an inspiration to all.

He bounced back repeatedly from adversity throughout his professional basketball career. Powell sacrificed day in and day out to perform and outperform his peers. Fortunately, he was able to experience the fruition of his work, agreeing to a four-year rookie contract extension back in 2017, and reach the Finals to defeat the heavyweight Golden State Warriors just two years later.

Alright, enough reflecting on Powell’s tenure in Toronto; let’s focus on how the Raptors can hold the 33-year-old to under 20 points in his Bulls regular-season debut.

Last season, Powell placed 29th in the 2025-26 regular season among the best three-point shooters, with 2.7 made three-pointers, an attempted average of 7.1, and a 38% three-point percentage. Powell’s three-point average was substantially higher than that of stellar shooters from deep like Luka Dončić (36.6%), Lamelo Ball (36.8%), Tyrese Maxey (36.7%), and Michael Porter Jr. (36.3%).

Toronto can reduce Powell’s superb statistics from last season by using a defender who can go “step-for-step” with Powell as he drives to his hot spot. I’d argue that guy is Jamal Shead, given his frame and past success defending. Forcing him into turnovers will be a huge plus for the Raptors, as Powell committed 1.9 turnovers last season.

There are a lot of things to be excited about in Toronto’s opening home debut of the 2026-27 season. Although Powell is just one of the few Raptors who could’ve reunited with the franchise this offseason, the Raptors have to keep their priorities straight.

Not only do they have higher expectations than in October of last year, but they are also potential Finals contenders. Shortcomings can’t be the exception for such a talented roster.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect