The Miami Heat are increasingly expected to lose guard Norman Powell in free agency as salary-cap restrictions tighten after the franchise’s blockbuster agreement to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
League sources told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto that rival executives doubt Miami can craft a competitive offer for the 33-year-old, who earned his first All-Star nod in the 2025-26 season. The Heat are hard-capped at the first tax apron because they accepted more money than they sent out in the Antetokounmpo deal, leaving little space to re-sign Powell.
The Chicago Bulls are among the clubs expected to pursue the 11-year veteran once the market opens, according to the report.
Low-cost targets on Miami’s radar
With minimal flexibility, Miami is surveying less expensive options. The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang reported earlier this week that the Heat have renewed interest in Atlanta Hawks swingman Buddy Hield. Hield’s $9.7 million salary for next season is only $3 million guaranteed and could lead to a waiver decision by Sunday, when the contract becomes fully guaranteed.
Separately, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line said the Heat are high on free-agent guards Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mike Conley. Jackson later confirmed the organization’s enthusiasm for Hardaway Jr. but noted internal discussions about Conley are divided, with some team officials preferring a younger option. Conley will turn 39 before the 2026-27 campaign.
No timelines for final decisions have been announced, but Miami’s ability to tweak the roster now appears closely tied to bargain signings and potential waivers.
Source: HoopsRumors
