(Photo via Getty Images)
For the first time since the 2021 offseason where the Miami Heat acquired Kyle Lowry, they managed to pull off a significant summer trade on Sunday. The Heat received 32 year-old scoring guard Norman Powell in exchange for Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson. These players were sent to the Utah Jazz, along with an LA Clippers second-round draft pick. This occurred in a three-team trade with John Collins headlining the return for the Clippers.
It was an unexpected masterpiece from the Miami front office. In which they’ve received plenty of backlash in recent weeks for their lack of aggression on the trade market. Although Love’s leadership in the locker room will be missed, Pat Riley and company pulled off a terrific, low-risk deal. They parted with a pair of aging players that didn’t have a real role in coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation last season.
And in return, Powell arrives in South Beach to provide the Heat with a much needed scoring punch.
Powell is right in the heart of his prime coming off of a career year. He put up All-Star caliber numbers of nearly 22 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals. His elite shooting efficiency includes 48% from the field, 42% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line.
Over the years, Powell has developed into an all-around offensive threat. He is a three-level scorer that has the ability to get buckets anywhere on the court. Many around the league had the guard as an All-Star snub this past season. And he was a major piece in leading his former Clippers’ squad to a 50-win campaign.
“Norm Powell was a borderline All-Star last year. The Miami Heat got him for nothing relevant to their present or future. The Heat traded Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love for a guy who some people thought should be on the All-Star team last year. That’s crazy.”
— Zach Lowe (via Zach Lowe Show)
He is also a respectable perimeter defender. Powell made his mark in the league back with the Toronto Raptors where he became a solid 3 & D contributor and was part of their 2019 NBA championship team.
The Miami Heat have some ignitable backcourt talent between Tyler Herro and Norman Powell.
This is an acquisition that has a refreshing feel to it. There is finally a new key piece added to this new Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro led core. Powell’s addition can make it easier for that duo offensively, nonetheless.
Herro now won’t be the only true perimeter scoring threat for opposing defenses to zero in on for Miami. If he receives on-ball pressure, much like the Cleveland Cavaliers did this past playoffs, Powell will be a reputable option to supplement. It should be expected for both players to share the backcourt together in Spoelstra’s revamped starting unit.
Each Herro and Powell are capable of playing as combo guards. Even with them being known for their individual offense, they can balance each other out. Herro’s better playmaking complements Powell’s stronger defensive skills. That pairing was each featured in the top-five for volume shooting efficiency during the 2024-25 season, according to Synergy Basketball rankings. For a Heat team that has been a bottom-half offense for quite some time, Powell should be a welcome addition to the squad.
Herro attempted a career-high 8.7 attempts from deep this year, as Powell attempted a career-high 7.1 attempts himself. They also competed against each other during last year’s 3-point contest at All-Star weekend, where Herro took home the champion title.
It may not be a marquee name like Kevin Durant, but Powell’s skill set can still make a significant difference in Miami next season. And for the cheap cost, Riley and the front office made a home run deal this time around.
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I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. One direction is a fire sale and total rebuild. The other direction is putting the best team possible together and trying to make a run in the playoffs. To do that, the Heat will need to trade for an A/A+ alpha/scorer (preferably a PG or SF) and a solid PF/C to rotate with Bam and Ware.