Jan 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots the ball against LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NBA Fans Deem Miami Heat Clear Winners Of Bradley Beal-Norman Powell Ordeal

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Jayden Armant | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Once upon a time, the Miami Heat were considered a potential frontrunner to land former Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal.

That is, until they traded for veteran guard Norman Powell instead. And now, Beal heads to Powell's former team, the Los Angeles Clippers. With these deals, the Heat and Clippers are now in Twitter discussions over who really won their respective acquisition.

Many are favoring Miami, as they believe Powell is currently the better player.

I’m seeing clipper FC twerk for “Bradley Beal” in 2025 like he’s not worse than Norman Powell pic.twitter.com/Mcp9UtBqXx
— Agent 0 (@FT_Merchant05) July 16, 2025

Powell was a borderline All-Star last season, averaging a career-high 21.8 points on 48.4 percent shooting. His star production kept Los Angeles afloat amid the absence of Kawhi Leonard for more than half the season.

Meanwhile, Beal continued declining statistically, averaging just 17 points and dipping nearly five percent in 3-point shooting. Health was once again a concern, as he missed a good chunk of the season for the fourth straight season.

I don't understand the sentiment I've seen on here that Bradley Beal is an upgrade over Norm Powell at this stage of their careers pic.twitter.com/5kAoc4X85u
— Zach Kram (@zachkram) July 16, 2025

Still, some argue that Beal's ceiling is higher on a new team, especially considering the addition of John Collins at power forward. In addition, the Clippers were able to get Beal cheap instead of absorbing a massive taxing contract.

"The massive upgrade at the 4 with John Collins + being able to replace Norm’s scoring for free with Bradley Beal makes the team better than they were last season," one Clippers fan tweeted.

I agree he is

However the massive upgrade at the 4 with John Collins + being able to replace Norm’s scoring for free with Bradley Beal makes the team better than they were last season
— clippa twitta (@clipfullyloaded) July 16, 2025