Norman Powell, who had a memorable one-year stay that spanned two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers several years ago, had a disappointing performance on Tuesday, as the Miami Heat's Play-In Tournament loss ended their 2025-26 season. Given that he will be a free agent, he may have lost his opportunity to secure one last big payday this summer.
The veteran swingman was a non-factor in the Heat's overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He played just 19 minutes, scoring 11 points on 5-9 shooting. To be fair, he had been dealing with injuries lately, and his availability for the Play-In was a sigh of relief for his team.
However, Powell's failure to finish the season on a high note could impact his chances of re-signing with Miami or receiving a substantial offer from elsewhere.
We can't forget that Norm was an All-Star this year
Of course, Powell can make a strong argument for himself this offseason by highlighting his first All-Star appearance this season. The Blazers actually caught a glimpse of his potential when he averaged 18.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 67 appearances across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
Portland even rewarded him with a five-year, $90 million extension in the 2021 offseason. But a little less than a year after acquiring him from the Toronto Raptors at the 2020 trade deadline, the club shipped him to the LA Clippers in exchange for a few assets that didn't pan out well for Rip City.
In some ways, the Blazers may have regretted giving up on Powell too soon, especially since he finally showed what he is truly capable of in Miami.
That sentiment might not last long, though. The injuries and inconsistency, even though he was the leading scorer for a torrid Miami Heat offense, could affect his hopes of landing a contract with an annual salary significantly higher than the expiring deal he inked with Portland.
We also can't forget that Norm is turning 33 this summer
Perhaps another team will take a chance on the 32-year-old Powell. He still has value as a high-level shot-maker and outside shooter. However, it's doubtful that any team would be lining up to offer him a lengthy contract that would pay him north of $20 million by the time he is on the wrong side of 30.
Strong performances in the Play-In Tournament and steering the Heat to the No. 8 seed in the playoffs could have helped justify his case. Evidently, that is no longer happening. Miami could look to rebuild in the fallout of its postseason dud, and it's tough to see it extending its partnership with Powell.
It would certainly be intriguing if the Blazers show interest in a reunion. After all, they are in dire need of an offensive reinforcement to go with their stout defense. However, only if the price is right should the organization even consider adding him to an already promising roster.
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