The NBA has witnessed a significant shake-up as the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Utah Jazz completed a noteworthy three-team trade just after the holiday weekend. The move sees the Heat acquiring Norman Powell, while the Clippers bring John Collins into their lineup, and the Jazz receive a second-round pick for 2027, along with Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love.
Norman Powell had an impressive season last year, averaging 21.8 points per game for the Clippers, demonstrating his scoring ability when given a starting role due to Paul George’s injury. With this trade, Powell will join Tyler Herro in the Miami backcourt, potentially enhancing the team’s offensive firepower. However, questions remain regarding their ability to create opportunities for teammates, which will be critical for Miami’s success moving forward.
The Clippers’ decision to let go of Powell before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer is strategic, especially considering Powell’s expected salary increase. They are bolstering their frontcourt with the addition of John Collins, who provided solid numbers in his recent season with the Jazz, averaging 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. His shooting skill set at the four position may offer the Clippers enhanced spacing, while they hope Bogdan Bogdanovic can step up to help fill the scoring gap left by Powell’s departure.
For the Jazz, this trade reflects a strategic move to offload Collins’ expiring contract without taking on long-term financial commitments. The addition of a second-round pick and the gain of Kyle Anderson—who has a manageable contract—could enable further flexibility in future trades. Additionally, the expectations are that veteran Kevin Love may be bought out, allowing him to explore opportunities with another franchise.
This trade marks a dynamic shift in the NBA landscape as teams position themselves for the upcoming season. Miami aims for greater scoring depth, the Clippers seek to reinforce their frontcourt, and the Jazz continue their strategy of optimizing roster flexibility while building for the future. Overall, this transaction emphasizes the ongoing shifts and strategic planning within the league.