Heat Could Allow New Addition to Hit Free Agency Next Summer

The Miami Heat acquired Norman Powell as part of a three-team trade earlier this summer. Powell heads to Miami on the back of arguably his best season as a pro.

Despite the move, Powell is entering the final year of his current contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, Powell’s age could lead the Heat to letting him test the free agency market.

“He was traded to Miami for the final year of his contract, making $20.5 million,” Helin wrote. “He is coming off a season where he made a leap (in year 10!) and averaged 21.8 points a game while shooting 41.8% from beyond the arc.”

Helin continued.

“At age 32, the Clippers were hesitant to give Powell the longer extension that he wanted, which helped lead to the trade, but is Miami going to feel any differently (Miami is also trying to keep its books clean to make a big swing at a superstar down the line)? While the Heat and Powell may work out an extension, his hitting free agency seems a very real possibility.”

Powell will likely assume a significant role within the Heat’s rotation. His three-level scoring and perimeter defense will make him a key part of Erik Spoelstra’s rotation. Whether that will be enough to convince the Heat to give him another contract, either in the form of an extension or next summer, remains to be seen.

Powell Eyes Major Role With Heat

During a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Powell discussed the opportunity he has with the Heat next season.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity that’s in front of me,” Powell said. “I think it’s a clear opportunity that I’ve been fighting for and talking about. I talked about all last year about having the opportunity to be a focal point every single night, not just a high-value contributing role player, but really seeing myself and stepping into a role that I’ve always wanted.”

Powell will likely be one of Miami’s best offensive players next season. He will likely be the second offensive option behind Tyler Herro. However, he must also showcase his defensive ability if he wants to earn a longer stay with Spoelstra’s roster.

Dwyane Wade Pleased With Heat’s Addition of Powell

During a recent episode of his “Time Out with Dwyane Wade” podcast, Dwyane Wade praised his former team for the addition of Powell.

“At this point of Norman Powell’s career, Miami is the perfect place for him to get to that level that he was on the cusp of,” Wade said. “That All-Star level, being one of the best players. Like he said, once Paul George left, it opened up the opportunities more for him and he shined.”

Wade continued.

“Just a great competitor out there on the floor. That’s what Miami loves — Miami loves competitors, and Norman Powell is that. That’s another step in the direction that you want to see Miami turn to get this thing back on track.”

Powell will undoubtedly improve the Heat’s overall offense. And while he may not be the superstar addition Riley had in mind to begin the summer, he is a solid pick-up for the franchise. However, with Miami reportedly prioritizing cap space for next summer, it will be interesting to see how his contract situation with the Heat ultimately plays out.