The Detroit Pistons have added free-agent guard Norman Powell to their growing list of offseason targets as the club seeks additional outside shooting and playmaking, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Powell’s future with the Miami Heat became uncertain after Miami reached a late-night agreement on Monday to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. The trade will place the Heat under a hard cap at the first apron, leaving only a projected $18.1 million to fill four remaining roster spots.
If forward Andrew Wiggins exercises his $30.2 million player option for next season and Miami is unable to shed additional salary, the Heat’s new deals would be limited to starting figures of roughly $12–13 million per year. At age 33, Powell is expected to seek a raise from the $20.5 million he earned this season after making his first All-Star appearance.
Acquired by Miami last summer, Powell averaged 21.7 points in 58 games while shooting 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. His production makes him an attractive fit in Detroit, where the franchise is looking to ease the offensive burden on guard Cade Cunningham.
The Pistons also have interest in Tyler Herro, who is headed from Miami to Milwaukee in the Antetokounmpo deal. Powell is viewed as a fallback option if Detroit is unable to land Herro, Stein and Fischer report.
Other potential Detroit targets include Coby White (Hornets), Isaiah Joe (Thunder), Trey Murphy III (Pelicans), Kyrie Irving (Mavericks) and Austin Reaves (Lakers).
Source: HoopsRumors
