Powell Declines Player Option, To Become a ‘Top Priority’ for Blazers

Trail Blazers guard Norman Powell is headed toward unrestricted free agency this offseason after declining his player option for the 2021-22 season. According to Yahoo Sports NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Powell has made the decision to enter next season on a new contract.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Norman Powell told Yahoo Sports that he will decline his player option for the 2021-22 season and become an unrestricted free agent Aug. 1.

The player option is worth $11.6 million and he is expected to receive a considerable raise and a multi-year deal this summer.

Haynes also touched on the market that could develop for Powell in the weeks ahead. According to the report, retaining Powell is a “top priority” for the Blazers.

Powell, 28, will have multiple suitors with the Trail Blazers making it a top priority at re-signing the high-flying guard, sources said.

The Trail Blazers traded Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood for Powell at the trade deadline. Once in Portland, Powell appeared in 27 regular season contests and averaged 17 points per game on 44.3 percent shooting from the field. For the Blazers in this scenario, the Larry Bird exception allows them to exceed the cap to retain Powell if an agreement is reached between both parties.