Following Monday’s blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the Miami Heat could be preparing to lose one of their most productive off-season additions. The shockwave from acquiring the superstar in exchange for a massive haul of players and draft picks signals that All-Star guard Norman Powell may be ready to fully explore his value on the open market.
Veteran NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported on Tuesday’s episode of Get Up that Norman Powell’s departure from Miami seems almost inevitable.
“They’re gonna lose their All-Star, Norman Powell,” Windhorst noted. “Unless he takes a crazy discount, he’s gonna be gone.
While a return to Miami on a minimum deal cannot be ruled out, Giannis coming into the picture is typically viewed as a sign that a player is evaluating all available options.
The towering 6-foot-5 guard is coming off a career year where he earned his first All-Star nod, averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 58 games. He led the Heat in scoring during the regular season but ran out of steam during the final stretch as Miami missed the postseason following a loss in the play-in tournament.
There was never really much doubt that Powell would test the market, as the Heat were likely always going to be reluctant to hand him a long-term deal given their cap situation after the Giannis trade. It remains to be seen what path the veteran guard will take.
Detroit Pistons Emerge as Landing Spot for Norman Powell
According to multiple reports, the Detroit Pistons are emerging as a realistic landing spot for Norman Powell if he decides to test the free-agent market.
When speculation first started that Powell could be testing the open market, insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer immediately threw the Pistons’ name into the mix as a possible destination.
“The Pistons intend to add Powell, who is coming off his first All-Star season, to their list of potential offseason targets as they look to add shooting and playmaking in support of star guard Cade Cunningham,” they reported.
Signing the 33-year-old would be a very difficult task for the Pistons. While they are no stranger to making bold moves and finding ways around the cap limit, Powell could be looking to cash in on what he’s earning now. Factoring in an eventual extension, the Pistons could be paying him more than what he expects as they want shooting and playmaking in support of star guard Cade Cunningham.
He provided exactly what Miami hoped for when they acquired him last summer. Powell’s impact extended beyond the boxscore. His productive season likely increased his value on the open market, and there should be no shortage of teams interested in adding a proven scorer with veteran pedigree.
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