Norman Powell shared details about contract extension talks with the Los Angeles Clippers before his trade to the Miami Heat. The guard revealed that discussions occurred from his exit meeting last season until the deal happened.
Powell stated that the Clippers expressed strong interest in keeping him. He noted they valued his contributions and wanted him as part of the team.
“Since my exit meeting of last season up until I got traded, they were talking about extension,” Powell said in an interview with Mark Medina of EssentiallySports. “They were saying how much they wanted me there. They were saying how much they valued me and loved me as a Clipper.”
The trade took place on July 7 in a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz. Powell later felt the talks lacked sincerity.
“Now I feel like it was a lot of blown smoke,” Powell added. “They were talking about doing an extension. I was going on vacation. They were talking about how they were going to figure it out when we got back around Summer League, when the stuff opened up.”
Powell discussed specifics with his agent. He mentioned conversations shifted after he outlined his expectations.
“I think after I talked to T-Lue about what I wanted in terms of an extension and what I was looking for, I don’t know if that changed the course of things or whatever it was,” Powell explained. “But right around the time where smoke was in the air about teams’ interest and being traded, that’s kind of when the conversation shifted into ‘Oh, we got to get younger. We’re looking at that.'”
The Clippers cited needs to rejuvenate the roster. Powell referenced second-apron concerns as part of the dialogue.
“A lot of the stuff that we have to deal with isn’t your fault in what you’re doing,” Powell recalled from the talks. “But the conversation kind of changed to ‘we love you for an extension to we got to figure out what the future looks like.’ Yeah, stuff like that.”
Powell has averaged 24.0 points per game in his first three outings with Miami. He shoots 47.7 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three-point range.
The Heat acquired Powell after his time with the Clippers from 2021-22 to 2024-25. In his final season there, he averaged 21.8 points over 60 games.
Powell started 60 games for Los Angeles last year. He contributed 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.
Miami holds a 3-3 record early in the 2025-26 season. Powell’s debut included 29 points against New York on October 26.
The guard scored 15 points at Memphis on October 24. He added 28 points at Orlando on October 22.
Powell nears a return from a recent injury. He aims to play in the upcoming game against the Clippers on Monday.
“I just know they want me to check certain boxes, seeing how I handle fast-paced movements and moving around with uncontrolled contact and things that you can’t anticipate,” Powell said about his recovery. “Once I’m able to check those boxes, I’m sure they’ll be able to give me the green light.”
The matchup marks Powell’s first against his former team. He focuses on securing a win rather than personal stats.
“Win, honestly. I’ve never been a guy that cares about stats,” Powell stated. “It will come and it will happen as long as I play the game the right way and trusting your work.”
Powell anticipates a lively atmosphere at the arena. He expects fan support based on past interactions.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be crazy. I think it’ll be a great game,” Powell said. “I’m looking forward to being back in there. The fans were great.”
Over his career, Powell has played 620 games. His averages stand at 13.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Powell began his NBA tenure with Toronto in 2015-16. He won a championship with the Raptors in 2018-19.
The guard moved to Portland in 2020-21. He joined the Clippers later that season.
Powell has adapted to Miami’s system. He credits the selfless team environment for his strong start.
“Just the style of play and the shape that I’m in and the freedom to be able to go out there and play my game,” Powell explained. “I don’t have to look over my shoulder.”
