The Portland Trail Blazers have been searching to upgrade their roster in some way before the NBA trade deadline, and it seems they've finally completed that task. Meanwhile, for the Toronto Raptors, they pick up some youth and roster depth, as the team might be looking to rebuild right now.

After becoming a solid scorer for the Raptors these last two years, the Trail Blazers have received Norman Powell to upgrade the guard position. On the other hand, Toronto has acquired Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney hood, per Adrian Wojnarowski.

Gary Trent Jr. emerged as a fan favorite on Portland's roster. However, with his contract expiring after this season, it wasn't likely for the Trail Blazers to bring him back next year. Instead, they traded him away for Norman Powell, who is currently averaging 19.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Portland has made a solid move to improve their odds of making the playoffs after this trade.

At first glance, giving up Trent Jr. and Hood for Powell seems like a lot. However, considering Portland's roster, this move clears up room in the rotation. Rodney Hood is a good player, however, he was clogging up playing time for younger and better players on the roster. By trading for Norman Powell, the Trail Blazers simultaneously improved the bench, while creating more playing time for more exciting players on the roster. A win-win scenario for Portland.

The Toronto Raptors are possibly looking to rebuild the team, as they're also in talks of trading Kyle Lowry before the deadline as well. However, they did receive Gary Trent Jr., who is an exciting young player who should have an expanded role in Toronto. This year, he's been averaging 15.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He plays hard and isn't afraid to go up against anyone in the league. Acquiring Rodney Hood in this deal makes sense for the Raptors, as they now have some much-needed depth coming off the bench.

Even so, this trade doesn't necessarily improve the Raptors or give them much help in future years. It's no guarantee that Gary Trent Jr. comes back, as another franchise could outbid the Raptors during free agency. Additionally, Rodney Hood isn't the best player by any means and typically thrives when the spotlight is not on him. He's already 28 years old and based on his history, it appears as though his best years are behind him.

TRADE GRADES

Portland Trail Blazers – (A-)

Toronto Raptors – (B-)

The Trail Blazers outright win this trade. Norman Powell is a better shooting guard than Gary Trent Jr. at the moment, and Portland removed a roster clogger out of their lineup. Look for Portland to play much smoother basketball for the remainder of the season, as the bench squad should look a bit more fluid with Powell in the lineup. As for the Raptors, they got a solid young player in Trent Jr. However, with the possibility of him signing elsewhere next season, this trade could prove to be a bust for Toronto.