Landing spots for Norman Powell after Andrew Wiggins signs back with Miami Heat

Not a blockbuster NBA free agency signing, but one that everyone saw coming. Andrew Wiggins has signed a new three-year, $64 million deal with the Miami Heat. Wiggins returns as a pivotal piece of the new core led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Wiggins is locked into a deal that will pay him $30 million in the upcoming 2026-2027 season. The Heat prioritized Wiggins to be the last frontcourt starter. Now that Wiggins is in Miami long-term, they likely won’t have room for Norman Powell.

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Powell was a first-time All-Star in the 2025-2026 season. He averaged a career-high 21.7 points and notched his career high in three-pointers made in a single game, with nine.

It’s clear that Powell is one of the 40 best players on the planet. Coming off an All-Star season, Powell will command a larger salary, and Miami won’t be able to pay it. Since Miami could realistically only offer around a $12-15 million deal, Powell will likely land elsewhere.

Here are three landing spots for Norman Powell this offseason.

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1. Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) vies for position against Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24). Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Detroit needs another ball-handling scoring option next to Cade Cunningham. It was made clear in the NBA Playoffs that Jalen Duren isn’t a primary offensive second option.

Norman Powell brings a secondary scoring option to take pressure off Cunningham. In crunch-time situations, the Pistons had no one else to go to, and defenses swarmed Cunningham because of it.

Powell is limited defensively, but Detroit has the infrastructure to compensate. This would be an A+ signing for the Pistons, who desperately need some more offensive firepower.

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2. Dallas Mavericks

LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) has his shot blocked by Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2). Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The Mavericks need an off-ball guard next to Kyrie Irving. Irving is returning from a torn ACL injury he suffered in 2025. There haven’t been any indications that Dallas wants to move Irving, so adding more scoring makes sense.

The Heat could make a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks, potentially bringing back players like Max Christie and Dwight Powell, along with some draft compensation, in exchange for Norman Powell.

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Dallas only does this if they think the core of Irving and budding superstar Cooper Flagg is viable in the Western Conference. This isn’t the most likely option, but there are avenues for Powell to land in Dallas.

3. Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Powell signing with Chicago is purely for financial purposes. The Bulls have around $26 million in cap space, and that’s around the number that Powell is worth.

Chicago is in the middle of their rebuild, just drafting Caleb Wilson fourth overall. A shooting guard is just what Chicago is missing. Josh Giddey will run the offense, but the Bulls need more scoring on the perimeter to have a high-octane offense.

Chicago can try to be frisky in the Eastern Conference with a young core and veteran scorer. If the Bulls aren’t as competitive, they can use Powell as a trade asset to a contender for more assets down the line.