Norman Powell didn't need a sizzling start to the 2025-26 NBA season to prove he was the biggest steal of the summer. That was obvious as soon as the trade went down, as Miami inexplicably reeled in a near-All-Star for the price of a couple of non-rotation reserves (Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love).
Still, Powell has helped hammer that point home with a start so strong that it seems as if the 32-year-old might be upping the ante from his 2024-25 breakout. In the process, he has already given the Miami Heat plenty to think about regarding his future, like that he might need a contract extension soon before his escalating price tag gets any higher.
The Heat should feel comfortable penciling him into their long-term plans.
While the trade cost to acquire Powell was unforgivably low, there always figured to be some sort of dented-can discount attached to a deal.
For one, the questions of sustainability seemed obvious, since few players tend to play their best ball during their 10th season in the league, like Powell just did. Plus, he arrived in South Florida with just a single season left on his contract, meaning someone had to figure out not only if he could keep this up, but also what that should mean in terms of his financial worth.
Clearly, he was let go by the Los Angeles Clippers for far too cheap, though. Not that the Heat are complaining, of course. While Powell didn't quite scratch their superstar itch, he has already made a tangible impact on this team.
Not to mention, he has added an intriguing wrinkle to the ongoing question of how much Miami should commit to a Tyler Herro extension next summer. Because while the Heat could conceivably pay both players, that would almost assuredly torpedo their grandiose visions for a potentially stacked 2027 free agency.
Powell, to be clear, isn't as dynamic an offensive talent as Herro. Powell is an excellent play-finisher, but there isn't a lot of creation in his game.
That said, Powell doesn't have the same defensive limitations as Herro. It's possible, then, that it might be able to build a more formidable roster with Powell than Herro, particularly when the cost could be significantly cheaper.
The Heat doesn't have to settle this debate right now. They're busy riding the momentum wave of this strong sprint out of the starting blocks and quite possibly salivating over the thought of how Herro's return could make this new-look offense even more explosive.
You can bet, though, that the Miami brass is discussing this dynamic. It might not be feasible to keep this backcourt pairing for long.
Credit Powell for even making this a discussion, though. Herro felt like the Heat's franchise face as recently as last season. Powell hasn't necessarily usurped that role, but he has shown the decision-makers they have more possibilities with how to proceed than they may have initially thought.