(Photo by Megan Briggs / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
On multiple occasions before and during the season, Miami Heat guard Norman Powell made it known that he was willing to be with the organization long-term.
Fast forward over nine months after the 6-foot-2 guard was dealt, and there are just as many questions about his future with the Heat beyond 2025-26 as there were then.
During his exit interview on Thursday, there was a slight change of tune in Powell’s voice compared to his previous comments publicly.
“I’m not sure yet,” Powell said when asked about whether he thinks an extension or not is coming over the next few weeks. “I’m going to talk to my agent. I know my agent’s going to talk to [Heat president Pat Riley] and the front office and figure those things out.
“I’ll connect with my agent sometime next week and figure out how those conversations went. And then we’ll start the game plan (for free agency) from there.”
Norman Powell lone season with Miami was a roller coaster:
(Mandatory Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Even though Powell, who turns 33-years-old in May, had arguably the best season of his career, it was the tale of two campaigns.
The first, happy-go-lucky side, was an essential shot in the arm. But Powell struggled mightily after the All-Star break due to numerous injuries, including a nagging groin injury plus a respiratory illness in late March. Powell averaged just 17.5 points post-All-Star break (compared to 23.0 before) on 58.2 percent true shooting.
Moreover, his defense, once a strong point earlier in his career, continued to decline. And Powell didn’t have the same burst or advantage creation that he did earlier in the year.
The 11-year veteran played this year on a $20.4 million expiring and is eligible to sign a $128.5 million extension before becoming an unrestricted free agent in late June. Would you re-sign the one-time All-Star if you were the Miami Heat? Let us know in the comments below!
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