Norman Powell has already missed 12 games this season, and that number is expected to grow as he's currently sidelined with a groin injury. With his overall value having begun to wane, especially after the return of Tyler Herro, it's pretty clear that his honeymoon with the Heat is officially over.
Considering all that, it leaves the Heat in an almost impossible decision to make when it comes to his future. In fact, there's an argument to be made that no matter what the Heat decides, they're going to fall into a lose-lose situation with Powell this summer.
Are the Heat holding a losing hand with Norman Powell?
Obviously, there are two real options for the Heat and Powell.
It's either re-sign him to a contract extension or lose him in free agency. I suppose the Heat could work a sign-and-trade for the All-Star guard, but, at best, Miami is probably getting a second-round pick in exchange. At that point, that's essentially the equivalent of losing Powell for nothing.
No matter which route the Heat elects to take, it's hard to envision how they're going to come out as a "winner."
If the Heat re-signs Powell, it's probably going to be at a higher per-year average than the contract he's currently on, and it's not going to make a ton of sense with Herro, who is due an extension himself, still under contract.
If the Heat were to let him walk in free agency, or facilitate a sign and trade with him, would make even less sense. Plus, it would make the Heat's decision to keep him beyond the NBA Trade Deadline look much more foolish.
How Norman Powell can fit into the Heat's future
All that said, there's probably only one way in which Powell can legitimately fit into the Heat's future. And that's if they're able to lure a star player in the offseason. Because, at that point, their roster is probably under total construction.
If the Heat can land a star player, that also likely means Herro is traded, along with a collection of depth players on the roster. In that event, it would make sense for the Heat to explore signing Powell (at the right price).
But, again, aside from that (probably unlikely) scenario playing out, it's going to be increasingly difficult to envision how the Heat are going to be able to successfully navigate the Powell waters this offseason.
You understand that Miami wanted to keep that option open heading into the offseason, but it's still incredibly arrogant (and risky) of a move from them.
The Heat have, once again, found a way to make life much more difficult than it needs to be for themselves. It's also opened itself up for tremendous ridicule this summer. Unfortunately, it's become quite common for them of late.
And Powell is just the next example of that playing out in real-time.