New Bulls Rumors on Norman Powell Pursuit amid Pistons Buzz After Giannis-Heat Trade
The Chicago Bulls could have interest in signing free agent Norman Powell, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
Earlier this week, The Stein Line's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported the Detroit Pistons may look to make a run at the veteran forward.
The Miami Heat are sacrificing a lot of depth and financial flexibility with their trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. They're giving up Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakučionis, and they'll be hard-capped.
It's imperative Miami re-signs Powell because there aren't any mechanisms to find an adequate replacement.
However, the Heat can't afford to win a bidding war, either, and that might be why Scotto reported "there's a growing consensus" Powell will wind up on a new team.
The Bulls are starting fresh with a new head coach (Tiago Splitter) and front-office regime, and they're pinning their long-term hopes on No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson.
The NBA's draft lottery reforms will dissuade teams from embracing a total rebuild moving forward, though. It's better to chase a .500 standing because finishing with the worst record hurts your lottery odds.
Chicago might be trying to achieve just that after having arranged to get center Nic Claxton from the three-team trade headlined by Julius Randle. Signing Powell would help to raise the Bulls' floor a little higher.
The 33-year-old is coming off his best season. He was an All-Star for the first time and averaged 21.7 points while shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc.
His age will be a consideration in whatever contract he receives, but Powell is sitting in a strong position for free agency. Maybe he'll prefer to contend for a title with the Giannis and Bam Adebayo-led Heat. When his earning power will never be higher, he could choose instead to settle on a price that removes Miami from the equation.
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