Norman Powell’s 35-Point Explosion Fuels Clippers’ Thrilling Comeback—Must-See Highlights & Playoff Impact

MIAMI – In a move that instantly reshapes the Miami Heat’s back-court depth and playoff outlook, the franchise has acquired veteran scorer Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a three-team deal that also involves the Utah Jazz. Powell, 32, heads to South Beach while forward John Collins lands with the Clippers and veterans Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson relocate to Salt Lake City along with a 2027 second-round pick, per multiple league insiders. The trade is expected to be finalized once all players complete physicals. Why the Heat wanted Powell • Elite bench scoring: Powell averaged 13.8 points on 47.9 percent shooting and a career-best 43.5 percent from deep last season, ranking among the NBA’s top five reserves in both points and three-pointers made. • Two-way versatility: At 6-foot-4 with a 6-11 wingspan, he can defend both guard spots while slotting into lineups alongside Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. • Contract control: Powell is owed $19.2 million in 2025-26 with a player option for 2026-27, giving Miami a proven scorer under team control as the franchise navigates a tightening salary cap. Projected Heat rotation after the trade PG: Tyler Herro / Dru Smith SG: Norman Powell / Duncan Robinson SF: Jimmy Butler / Jaime Jaquez Jr. PF: Nikola Jović / Haywood Highsmith C: Bam Adebayo / Thomas Bryant Coach Erik Spoelstra gains the ability to stagger Butler, Herro and Powell, ensuring that at least one downhill creator remains on the floor at all times. Expect Powell to close games when Miami opts for a smaller, switch-heavy lineup. What Los Angeles gains The Clippers pivot from a crowded wing rotation to shore up their front-court by adding John Collins, a 26-year-old big who averaged 15.6 points and 8.1 rebounds with Utah. Collins’ vertical spacing should complement Kawhi Leonard and Paul George while allowing L.A. to reduce minutes for the aging P.J. Tucker. Utah’s motivation Utah turns veteran contracts into a respected locker-room presence in Kevin Love, a versatile forward in Kyle Anderson and an extra draft asset—maintaining flexibility ahead of a loaded 2026 free-agent class. Powell’s fit in Miami’s culture Heat president Pat Riley has long prized players who arrive as late first-round picks or second-round steals and blossom through relentless work. Powell, a former No. 46 selection who battled his way from Toronto’s G-League affiliate to NBA Finals minutes in 2019, mirrors Miami’s “chip-on-the-shoulder” ethos. Numbers that matter • 118.3: Miami’s offensive rating with Butler off the floor last postseason; league average was 112.7. Adding Powell’s self-creation should drive that number higher. • 1.21: Points per possession on spot-up attempts for Powell in 2024-25, ranking in the 94th percentile. • 36: Combined playoff series of experience now on Miami’s bench (Powell 10, Robinson 9, Love 17). Next steps and key dates The league’s trade moratorium lifts July 8, clearing the way for official announcements. Miami still owns its full mid-level exception ($12.9 million), positioning the Heat to chase another front-court piece when free agency opens on July 10. Fantasy and betting angle Powell’s move could spike his usage rate; bettors should monitor Miami’s updated championship odds, which shifted from +2200 to +1800 at several sportsbooks within an hour of the news breaking. Bottom line By landing Norman Powell, the Miami Heat address a lingering need for secondary shot creation while preserving long-term cap flexibility. For the Clippers and Jazz, the three-team trade realigns rosters without entering full rebuild mode—setting the stage for what promises to be another frenetic NBA offseason.