The Miami Heat's impressive season thus far has largely been because of the strong performance of Norman Powell, the 32-year-old guard acquired last offseason. Powell was brought in to help fix the issues in the backcourt and he has been terrific, earning his first All-Star nod. However, as we inch closer to the end of the regular season, there are questions regarding his future with the franchise given he is on an expiring contract.
Bleacher Report released an article, predicting where the five most notable free agents will be signing this offseason. Powell is predicted to return to Miami on a relatively cost-effective contract.
"The Miami Heat acquired Norman Powell for the contracts of Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love, an outrageously low cost for a player who made his All-Star debut this season," the article wrote. "Despite Powell's late-career surge, the Heat could be in for a second bargain ahead of the 32-year-old's unrestricted free agency. Miami can either extend Powell before June 30 or sign him to a new deal once the league year flips. Though the return to health of Tyler Herro (also extension eligible) might make Powell seem expendable, there are plenty of scenarios where the Heat retain the veteran guard. Not the least of which is Herro's inclusion in a blockbuster trade, something we can never rule out when it comes to Miami."
Powell had a strong season with the Clippers last year but not many expected him to continue the good stretch of play, especially when he was offloaded for cheap by Los Angeles in the offseason. Miami has plenty of decisions to make this offseason surrounding other contracts on the roster but with a good amount of money coming off the books, Powell's return seems likely.
"The Heat also has to consider Andrew Wiggins, who can enter free agency by declining his $30 million team option for next season," the article added. "Terry Rozier and Simone Fontecchio come off the books after this year, though, which creates a bit more flexibility if Miami chooses to retain both Powell and Wiggins on new deals. The main factor driving down Powell's potential payday: a dearth of cap space across the league. Though he's earning $20.4 million this season, Powell might struggle to beat that number going forward. His age is a factor, but so is the likelihood that other teams' offers will top out at the $15.1 million mid-level exception. The Heat could present the best package without cresting the $20 million mark in annual value."
Powell will be entering his age-33 season in Oct. If the Heat are aggressive this offseason and part with Tyler Herro as part of a blockbuster-type deal for a player such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, then bringing back Powell seems like a must.
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