Powell met Wade in Europe prior to his trade to the Heat. He took the time to tell Wade how much he admired his game, and Wade responded by telling Powell that he respected his efforts as a sixth man with the Clippers and his development into a full-time starter during the 2024-25 season.

Powell spoke to the media for the first time since the deal and said that with the opportunity in front of him, he could be an All-Star. One could argue he showcased that last season, finishing top-10 in All-Star voting in the Western Conference backcourt, breaking out with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The trade, Norman Powell said Wednesday, came as a shock. But what comes next with the Miami Heat, the 10-year veteran said, won’t be an issue at all.