The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade has created significant shifts throughout the NBA, especially for the Miami Heat. That is certainly the case when it comes to the team’s contract situation with veteran guard Norman Powell.
Powell is a free agent going into the 2026 NBA offseason. He completed his 11th season in the league, his first with the Heat. He achieved solid results with the team, earning an All-Star selection as one of the best scoring guards in the league.
However, the Heat landing Antetokounmpo has massively affected the team’s cap room. NBA insider Brett Siegel appeared with Tomer Azarly on the latest episode of the Clutch Scoops show, explaining why it will be difficult for Miami to retain Powells services.
“The question becomes for the Heat, ‘how do you fill out the remaining roster spots here?’ Because they don’t really have much wiggle room…They’re going to have to get interesting with how they do these moves, where they only have $14 million or $18 million left to fill four roster spots,” Siegel said at the 10:15 mark.
“You look at Nikola Jovic’s contract. I think he’s on the books for $16 million. Can you move him to get the necessary funds you need to keep Norman Powell? Maybe Andrew Wiggins’ player option, does he decline and sign a long-term deal at a less amount in order to help the team and keep Norman Powell? So it’s not completely off the table yet that they could bring Norman Powell back, but it’s just looking increasingly unlikely that that will be the case, because they’re hard-capped at the first apron.”
What lies ahead for Norman Powell, Heat
It will be a tough loss for the Heat to lose an offensive punch with Norman Powell likely leaving. However, that was a risk they understood upon making the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Powell enjoyed the best regular season of his career while playing for the Heat. He averaged 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game throughout 58 appearances.
Miami finished with a 43-39 record this past season, finishing at 10th place in the East standings. They missed the postseason after losing to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament.
The post Heat rumors: Norman Powell dilemma takes center stage after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.
