Is There Danger In Extending Norman Powell Early?

So would this make sense?

Well, it does if they don't want to lose him next offseason, especially if he repeats or exceeds his breakout 2045-25 performance.

But there are some perils to it.

For starters, he's 32. That makes him the oldest current member of the Heat, and one of only two (Andrew Wiggins is the other) in the likely starting lineup. The Heat do want veteran leadership and it appears he can provide some, but will his body break down as he ages?

Also, there's the implications to the Heat's salary structure. They are currently trying to avoid the repeater tax, and reset their books. But any big contract puts them closer to tax and apron lines.

And finally, there's the optics. Tyler Herro, a similar but younger player with more time in the organization, is looking for a massive extension, close to twice what Powell might command. How will it play if Powell gets paid before the guy who just made an All-Star team for Miami?

These are all issues we discussed on a recent Five on the Floor episode.

What's your thought? Do it soon? Wait until later? And what's a fair price?