On Monday, the Miami Heat secured guard Norman Powell in a significant three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz. Powell, a former Toronto Raptors player and 2019 NBA champion, arrives as a high-scoring veteran expected to bring efficient offense to the Heat.
With a career average of 21.8 points per game last season, Powell adds a reliable scoring threat that Miami hopes will complement their emerging star, Tyler Herro. The move aims to strengthen the Heat as they target a deep run in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Powell’s Commitment to Supporting Tyler Herro’s Growth
During his introductory press conference on Wednesday, the 32-year-old Powell emphasized his eagerness to support Tyler Herro, the Heat’s rising combo-guard and first-time All-Star. Recognizing Herro’s role as the team’s offensive centerpiece, Powell vowed to ease the scoring pressure on his new teammate.
Tyler Herro is great off the ball, on the ball, scoring, facilitating,
Powell said, as reported by Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
He did a great job this year of getting teammates involved and figuring out when to score, when to be aggressive.
I want to make it easy for Tyler. He was the focal point last year, had a lot of attention on him.
Tyler Herro’s Recent Breakout Season and Increased Defensive Focus
Herro delivered a standout 2024-25 campaign, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over 77 games. His shooting from beyond the arc stood out, as he converted 37.5% of his 8.7 three-point attempts per game. As Miami’s sole All-Star representative, opposing teams were heavily focused on limiting his impact last season.
This heightened defensive attention is expected to intensify in the upcoming year, making Powell’s arrival a timely reinforcement for the Heat’s offensive plans.
Powell’s Proven Scoring Ability and Role in Miami’s Title Aspirations
Last season with the Clippers, Powell averaged a career-best 21.8 points across 60 games while shooting 41.8% from three-point range. Known for his sharpshooting and ability to score off the ball, Powell fits well into Miami’s system and offers a much-needed secondary scoring option.
As the Heat aim to challenge the top teams in the Eastern Conference, Powell’s skills could play a pivotal role in their journey towards a championship. His experience and scoring versatility may help Miami emerge as a dark-horse contender by the end of the 2025-26 season.