The Miami Heat once thought they hit the lottery by snagging Norman Powell from the LA Clippers over the summer. In the mix, Lawrence Frank was endlessly questioned. However, Frank has now gotten the last laugh; the Heat just moved Powell to the bench, roughly over a month after he took part in the All-Star game, cementing the Clippers as winners of the trade, who landed John Collins.
Collins has been a key piece to LA’s success this season. He’s turned into a do-it-all athlete at the four spot and is now viewed as someone the front office cannot afford to let walk to another team in the offseason.
When Powell was asked about the switch in role following arguably their worst loss of the season, particularly after they made headlines for Luka Doncic scoring 60 points, he had a very professional response.
Norman Powell on getting moved to the bench:
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) March 20, 2026
"I've been through every single role, position in this 11 year career that I have so its nothing new to me. I put my hard hat on, go to work and whatever role it is try to put myself in position to help this team win games" pic.twitter.com/ihBteWmf3I
But, at the end of the day, Frank can kick his feet up knowing, once again, he made a move that went from laughable to genius.
Powell’s time with the Heat proved Lawrence Frank right for shipping him
Norman Powell’s last days with the LA Clippers made it clear he was no longer a fit for the team. Lawrence Frank wisely took them into account, and despite knowing he was trading away a fan favorite and might be initially criticized, he did it anyway.
What ended up happening? An outcome much worse than anyone could imagine. Powell was thriving, and the Clippers weren’t, at their worst point in franchise history. This had every fan missing the veteran guard more than ever.
Eventually, the script flipped. Powell did make the All-Star team, so there’s that, but he has had a handful of turnover-heavy nights with the Miami Heat. The cause is his playstyle, which is extremely hit-or-miss.
A night that tells the story perfectly is the Heat’s Feb. 24th loss versus the Bucks. While Powell had 26 points and six rebounds, he also recorded six turnovers and shot nearly 40% from the field.
Erik Spoelstra is now in a tough position on what to do for the Play-In Tournament and possibly the playoffs. Does he keep Powell on the bench? Or move him back to where he began with the starters and hope success will arise?
That’s a decision for him to figure out, with not much time to spare. It’s also something Clippers fans are glad Tyronn Lue doesn't have to deal with.
At the end of the day, everyone rooting for the red, white, and blue cannot say thank you enough to Frank for doing exceptional work behind the scenes on Powell’s exit.