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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 06: Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat attempts a basket against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at the TD Garden on February 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat have changed their identity a lot in the last few years as a franchise. They have tried to find a way to be a successful team without LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Since Wade retired, Miami has found a way to make the Finals twice.
Jimmy Butler was the centerpiece of both Finals trips. The Heat made the Finals in both 2020 and 2023. Miami made the decision to trade Butler last season to the Golden State Warriors after he essentially forced his way out. Without Butler, the Heat were expected to be in contention for a playoff spot.
Miami made the move to trade for Norman Powell, and that helped them change their identity. That move has been recognized as one of the best moves any team in the NBA made in the offseason.
Miami Heat Trade for Norman Powell Recognized as a Great Move
According to Zack Kram of ESPN, the move to bring in Powell was one of the best moves any team made in the offseason. He has that transaction listed as the fifth-best move that any team made over the summer. Powell has been the best player that Miami has had this year.
Powell was an All-Star this season for Miami after almost making it a year ago with the Clippers. Miami just traded Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson in exchange for Powell, which is a fantastic price for someone who is still a good offensive player. Powell is the leading scorer for the Heat.
Miami sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings right now, but they are only a game behind the Hawks for the sixth spot. There are a lot of changes in the standings that can still happen between now and the rest of the season. Powell could push them as high as the fifth seed.
Powell Might Leave Miami After One Season
Powell is an unrestricted free agent this summer. There is a good chance that he ends up only spending one season with the Heat, especially with Tyler Herro looking for an extension. The difference is that Powell actually plays a decent number of games, unlike Herro this year.
Herro has played just 24 games so far this year. Powell has played 52 games, even at his age. With Powell on the roster, the team has the 13th-best offense in the league. In years past, the Heat have struggled to have an above-average offense, leaning more into their defense.
Even if Powell ends up leaving Miami over the Summer, the Heat were still smart enough to make the trade to bring him in. He’s still clearly he’s an effective scorer, and he will get paid as such in the offseason. Powell is best used as the second or third option on a title team.
Miami will likely try to make a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo over the offseason, though it’s unclear if they have enough assets to pull such a move off. They are used to having stars in Miami, and he would certainly qualify as one.