Norman Powell sat down with Chicago-based media in Las Vegas on Saturday, confirming a two-year contract that will take him to the Chicago Bulls. The announcement came as the Miami Heat dropped a close loss to the Orlando Magic in the Summer League at UNLV’s Pavilion, leaving the Heat at a 1-1 record in the tournament.
The deal is fully guaranteed for the first year, while the second year is non-guaranteed, a structure that reflects both Powell’s veteran status and Chicago’s desire for salary-cap flexibility. Powell, 33, spent a single season in Miami after the Los Angeles Clippers traded him there last summer. In that year he posted 21.7 points per game while shooting 47% from the floor and 38% from three-point range, adding 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals. Those numbers placed him just shy of his career-high 21.8 points per game.
When asked about his All-Star debut with the Heat, Powell said, “It solidified that to myself that I can play at this level, more so than anything... It just shut everybody else up that said it wasn’t even possible.” He added that the milestone was a stepping stone toward multiple All-Star selections and a championship-contending career, emphasizing that individual accolades will never come at the expense of winning.
The Heat’s inability to retain Powell is tied to the organization’s recent roster overhaul. After acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and veteran forward Bobby Portis, Miami’s cap flexibility was squeezed, limiting what it could offer Powell in free agency. The franchise chose not to press for additional cap space under the first apron, effectively moving on from the former guard.
Powell expressed mixed emotions about leaving Miami, noting, “Did I want to return to Miami? Yeah, I did. But obviously, it’s a business. They made their decisions and made their moves and things happen. And it is what it is.” He stressed that his focus now is on contributing to the Bulls, stating, “I go in every situation wanting to be where I’m at and help win... I’m focused on being in the moment.” His solid three-point shooting and veteran experience give Chicago a reliable stretch option and defensive presence against elite perimeter players.
Powell will join the Bulls’ Summer League roster and report to training camp with the expectation of competing for a wing spot. If he maintains his shooting rhythm from the Summer League, he could earn significant minutes early in the regular season, providing the scoring boost Chicago has sought. Meanwhile, Miami will continue to evaluate its young core as the Summer League progresses, using its 1-1 start as a gauge for the revamped roster’s chemistry.
