Miami Heat Patch Up With Former All-Star Guard in Proposed Trade

MIAMI, Fla. – There are three months and seven days until the NBA's Feb. 11, 2027, trade deadline and the Miami Heat could approach as buyers if results don't show any signs of improvement.

Starting the season with a 2-5 record, Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominance, which includes two triple-doubles, hasn't been enough to win. He's averaging 28.4 points on 58.6 percent shooting, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 31.9 minutes. Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP-caliber level, but the supporting cast has trouble keeping up.

Right behind the 10-time All-Star in scoring is Bam Adebayo, who is averaging 16.3 points. He's had a sluggish start to the season, including two single-digit offensive performances. Meanwhile, the bench unit hasn't provided a consistent park.

As December approaches, which is around the time when more assets become available to trade, a notable and familiar candidate might have emerged. The Chicago Bulls are reportedly fielding offers for former Heat All-Star guard Norman Powell. He signed a two-year, $44.08 million contract with the organization this summer.

Last season with the Heat, the 33-year-old averaged 21.7 points on 47 percent shooting, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. However, availability became an issue following the All-Star break. Powell played in just 58 games, including 52 starts. Plus, it was difficult for him to find continuity with All-Star guard Tyler Herro.

Before entering free agency, Powell expressed interest in returning to the Heat, but negotiations led to different results. A reunion could be beneficial for both sides, especially with Herro out of the mix, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the Antetokounmpo trade package. Powell is familiar with head coach Erik Spoelstra's fast-paced offensive system and can thrive in it.

The Heat can offer the Bulls Nikola Jovic and Dru Smith, which would be close to equivalent to the 12-year veteran's $21.50 million salary this season. Given Powell's late career stage, it's enough to keep draft capital out of the conversation. Jovic is still a promising young player who can benefit from a new scenery and system. He will be under contract for three more seasons; meanwhile, Smith has a $2.93 million non-guaranteed team option.

Powell brings the Heat another ball-handler who can create offensively. In seven games this season, he's averageing 20.3 points on 41.8 percent shooting, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 29.7 minutes.

The business side of basketball will soon catch up as the Heat search for internal answers.

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