The Miami Heat are one franchise always predicted to be targeting the biggest names either on the trade market or through free agency. In 2023, the team was reportedly interested in guard Damian Lillard. Apparently, Tyler Herro was included in those conversations but Pat Riley decided against moving him. Then, last offseason, Kevin Durant hit the trade market and was reportedly interested in joining the Heat after the team parted with Jimmy Butler. Riley was reluctant to include any young stars in a potential trade such as Kel'el Ware. Now, the Heat have the opportunity to have a strong free agency period but one of their best players is expected to hit the market.
Bleacher Report released their updated ranking of the top upcoming NBA free agents. The Heat have multiple expiring contracts this offseason but only one player made the top 30 ranking: recent offseason acquisition Norman Powell. He is ranked at No. 5.
"Powell won a title in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors," the article wrote. "Now, deep into a stellar career, the UCLA product was finally named a first-time All-Star. In Miami, he's putting up career-best scoring numbers at 23 points per game, while shooting 39.6 percent from three-point range. Turning 33 in May, Powell may not be the target of a team with a younger core, but he'd be a nice addition to a franchise looking to compete deep into the playoffs (including a potential return to the Heat, perhaps by extension)."
Powell has bounced around a few teams over his decade-long career but seemed to find a home last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Powell fully broke out, averaging 21.8 points while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from three-point range. Opposite stars such as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in Los Angeles, Powell proved his worth as an elite scorer. However, entering his age-32 season, the Clippers felt the urge to trade him due to his expiring contract and age. Luckily for the Heat, Powell's value on the market was in a strange position due to his contract. The team traded Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love, two veterans who presumably wouldn't have received many minutes in the Miami rotation, for the combo guard and his strong play has been the biggest story for Miami this season.
The Heat could opt to bring him back based off his strong performance but the guard will presumably not receive a long-term deal given his age.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!