Apr 26, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) heads down court after a 3-point basket in the first half of game four of round one of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Fans Have Mixed Reactions To Norman Powell Trade

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Jayden Armant | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 2:52 PM ET

The Miami Heat have finally made an offseason move.

Crazy, right? They landed veteran guard Norman Powell in a three-team trade, sending John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Utah Jazz get Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 Clippers second-round pick.

BREAKING: The Clippers, Jazz and Heat have agreed to a trade that sends Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to Los Angeles, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 Clippers second-round pick to the Jazz, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/o0FkV0o2l8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025

It's not quite the splash that fans probably wanted, but it's a start. Powell had a career season with Los Angeles in 2024-25, averaging 21.8 points (career-high) on 48.4 percent shooting. He will be a backcourt upgrade, giving the Heat another scorer alongside Tyler Herro. Heat fans are excited to finally make moves after a long period of stagnation.

pic.twitter.com/uWWjsdhKy3
— CurriGoat (@CurriGoat) July 7, 2025

Miami acquired a legitimate offensive weapon in exchange for two veteran role players. It's a low-risk, high-reward deal with significant upside for the Heat.

"Getting Norman Powell for a chicken shawarma and still got assets/expiring contracts to make a bigger move. Pat Riley is slowly getting me ready to say Heat in 5 again," one user tweeted.

Getting Norman Powell for a chicken shawarma and still got assets/expiring contracts to make a bigger move.

Pat Riley is slowly getting me ready to say Heat in 5 again https://t.co/NvbSwU1wRf pic.twitter.com/68np3V8CPa
— Bobby, No Althoff (@JBob_15) July 7, 2025

The only thing fans were upset about was the departure of Kevin Love. Beyond the box score, Love cemented himself as a vital piece to the team with his veteran leadership and facilitation. He helped the Heat reach the 2023 NBA Finals after joining the team shortly before the start of the postseason.

Kevin Love seeing he’s being shipped to Utah to close his career pic.twitter.com/SfvMc3mxRH
— Mavs Film Room (@MavsFilmRoom) July 7, 2025

We’ll miss you Kevin. Thank you for saving the ‘23 season.
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) July 7, 2025

This trade means Miami is likely out on Bradley Beal, and the Damian Lillard rumors may also simmer now that the shooting guard void has been filled. Still, the Heat should make additional moves to solidify themselves as an Eastern contender.