Now that Norman Powell is officially an All-Star, it's going to cost the Miami Heat a little extra to keep him around.
In what could be described as the perfect time for Powell to be named to the NBA's All-Star team, Powell pulled off what many thought to be impossible. In the final year of his contract with the Heat, Powell is now slated to hit the free-agency market when his stock is as high as it's ever been.
And that means two very different things.
Norman Powell is an All-Star at the perfect time
For one, it means that Powell is likely going to break the bank heading into free agency. Second, it means that if the Heat wants to keep him around, they might have to pay a slight premium this summer.
With so much uncertainty that revolves around the Heat's future at the moment, it's impossible to predict what the next few days will hold. By this time next week, this Heat roster can look a lot different from what it does at this moment.
It could include Giannis Antetokounmpo. It could not. It could include a Powell, fresh off his All-Star selection. It also may not.
And the same could be said about several of the Heat's players. But that's the business of the NBA Trade Deadline. Either way, Powell appears to be sitting in a great spot.
If it's not the Heat, there's another team out there that's likely going to give Powell a handsome free-agency contract this summer.
Norman Powell has been a revelation for the Heat
If the Heat had it their way, they would welcome the opportunity to bring Powell back next season. And I'm sure he'd want that too. But, again, it's not that simple. The Heat are currently in a race against the clock in an attempt to pry Giannis out of Milwaukee, while also balancing a few other fronts.
Including Powell, who could very well end up leaving the Heat for nothing this summer. That threat alone makes Powell a possible trade candidate himself heading into the deadline.
But all of that aside, Powell has been a true revelation for Miami. He's been a huge help in filling the Tyler Herro (who has been hurt roughly all season long) role this year, especially on the offensive end of the floor, and he's been truly a natural fit in everything that is Heat culture.
I can't imagine there's much debate about whether the Heat would want to re-sign Powell after this season. But things still need to line up for that to happen.
Despite all that, though, Powell has done just enough to earn a big payday this summer. From Miami or another wing-needy franchise.