Q: Ira, the Heat have Bird Rights with Norman Powell, so why would they just let him walk? Are the Heat in any position to lose an All-Star. – Ronnie.
A: It’s complicated, and actually further complicated by the unknown with the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation. If Tyler Herro is sent out in such a package, then you likely can count on a return of Norman Powell. In that scenario, saving salary-cap space for the 2027 will become moot because of the extension Giannis will sign after being acquired. But if Tyler isn’t dealt, then it comes down to the cap and roster composition. As mentioned, if the Heat pivot to cap space, then a multiyear deal for Norman would be less likely, and, at 33, Norman probably recognizes this as a last chance for a profitable multiyear deal. And then there is the reality of Norman’s 2025-26 splits, which all were decidedly down during an injury-limited run after the All-Star break. He simply wasn’t the same player when needed most. So if Tyler is back and there is no major Heat deal, the preference might be for more minutes for youth such as Kasparas Jakucionis, Pelle Larsson and possibly the No. 13 pick on Tuesday night.
Q: Ira, considering the recent track record of Pat Riley (e.g., Terry Rozier), what confidence do you have of a favorable transaction regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo? Why has there been such minimal chatter about Pat Riley continuing as team president given his recent performance? – Howard, Durham, N.C.
A: But also consider getting Norman Powell last summer for practically nothing in return, as well as coming out of the Jimmy Butler deal with Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins and Kasparas Jakucionis. Yes, Terry Rozier proved to be a whiff. And, yes, Kyle Lowry had limited staying power. But two of the more recent moves proved profitable. So there’s that.
Q: Didn’t the Heat learn their lessons from Damian Lillard? You can’t sit around and wait. – Morrie.
A; Only in some cases, you should. If the Heat do not feel there is another game-changing potential acquisition beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo, then they should wait. The last thing a team can afford to do in a salary-cap league is to throw bad money at the wrong player.