Norman Powell said playing for Heat was 'childhood dream' and dishes on the trade to Miami

Miami Herald

09-07-2025

Highlights from new Heat wing Norman Powell's introductory Zoom news conference on Wednesday, a day after Miami acquired the 21.8 point per game scorer in a three-team trade that sent Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love to Utah:
▪ He said he was surprised by the trade:
'I didn't know what to think at first. It has been a crazy last couple of weeks, from talking to [Clippers general manager] Lawrence Frank at my exit meeting and what they were telling me. It was something I knew was a possibility; them saying teams were interested in me. [But the Clippers] made it sound like there wasn't a high possibility of it happening and we would figure out an extension.'
He was in Europe earlier this week and 'when I got the call and said I was traded, it was a shock. I had a career year' and expected an extension from the Clippers.
'Hearing it was Miami, I was really excited.'
Powell said 'I've had a couple guys say amazing things about the organization. Thinking back to my childhood, being a big fan of Dwyane Wade. Playing for Heat was a childhood dream. Full circle moment for me.'
▪ He said he fits the Heat culture because 'I'm extremely hard working. Going to Miami -- I fit the culture perfectly, putting in extra work, the late nights, early mornings. That's who I am to the T. I've hung my hat on making my weaknesses my strengths and my strengths even better.'
▪ He said of the Heat: 'They see me as a winning piece and that requires me to sacrifice my game.'
▪ What does he see himself as? 'I see myself as a plug guy... I've always seen myself as a go-to guy who can help a team win. I don't have a big ego of 'I have to be the main guy.'
'I've not been shy to say I can be a starter, an All Star if given the opportunity. This year I showcased that, being in the top 10 of All Star' voting at guard in the Western Conference.
'I'm a versatile player who can play multiple roles and excel in any role. Being able to attack the paint will open up opportunities for others. Me and Bam [Adebayo] in the pick and roll can take pressure off those guys. Being able to initiate plays and also finish plays on the second side of the offense.'
▪ On his defense: 'I know people have said how that's taken a step back since my Toronto days. I'm looking forward to putting my stamp on that.'
▪ On the team he's joining: 'Having conversations with Bam [in the past], I like what they're building. I like the culture. They fight for wins, they're scrappy,.They're competitive. That's what I like. Bam can play multiple positions and attack a multitude of ways. Really athletic.
'Tyler Herro is great off the ball, on the ball, scoring, facilitating. He did a great job this year figuring out when to score, when to be aggressive... I can make things easy for Tyler. He was the focal point last year.... The way Davion Mitchell guards, is aggressive, can get downhill as well.'
▪ Does Powell consider himself an underrated player? 'I think I am... People don't really see what I can bring to the table. Last year was the first full year of people being able to say this guy is really good and can be a go to guy every night.'
▪He spoke to Pat Riley on Wednesday. What feedback has he received?
'Everybody is super excited. They mentioned how they tried to get me for several years now. Always good to have that initial energy and excitement that they want you and had their eye on you for a long time and see how you can fit into the team and make an impact with my scoring and being dynamic and being able to do a bunch of different things.
'It's always good hearing that going into a situation where they've wanted you.
'Pat likes my little floater I've developed over the years. Being able to work on both sides of the floor, me one side, Tyler on the other' is an exciting possibility.