To become paid in the NBA, especially money that is usually spent on All-Stars, players have to show out with a positive, outlier run, or at least meet the expectations. If not, front offices will worry that if greatness cannot be produced now, how can it be seen in the future?
Furthermore, Norman Powell, a new face near South Beach, was disappointing in the 2025 playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. He could have single-handedly lifted the LA Clippers into the second round, but his scoring averages were sub-par, and costly playoff turnovers were taking shape.
The nervousness of knowing that his future, as far as signing the extension he wanted, was at stake could have weighed heavily on his mind, yet James Harden did not dominate either, and the Clippers signed him for two more seasons.
Thus, seven games against the Nuggets did not affect Powell's chances of securing an extension to remain in the city he loves. He could have dominated and still been disappointed in the fact that the front office did not want to offer him another contract.
That said, the Clippers' reasoning for moving on from Powell and trading him for John Collins is related to the future free-agent status of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Extending Norman Powell could have cost the LA Clippers their chances at Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2027
With an extension, which could have been valued at over $100 million through several seasons, Norman Powell would join Ivica Zubac as the only players on the LA Clippers to have a contract eclipsing the summer of 2027.
This would impact the team's desire to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo, which is a massive priority, as Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Bradley Beal, three notable All-Stars, will be making a fresh start elsewhere.
Moreover, with the San Diego native, the Clippers would have still been able to afford Antetokounmpo, but the rest of their rotation would suffer. This is because the front office may want to promise the former MVP that they can sign whoever he requests, and a hefty salary going Powell's way would then be seen as an obstacle for executive Lawrence Frank.
LA traded Powell to a city where he could be paid, the Miami Heat, and received a player of equal or possibly better talent, in John Collins. This is a win all around, as the Clippers' odds of being chosen by Antetokounmpo are kept healthy.