In a big move orchestrated by the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Miami Heat, guards are on the move, and strategies shift rather quickly. Norman Powell, fresh off a 21.8-point season, lands in Miami to bolster their wing depth and create a new Big Three alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
John Collins embarks on a new chapter with the Clippers as they chase frontcourt balance around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. And Utah, embracing youth, absorbs seasoned role players and a 2027 second-rounder in exchange for out-of-favor veterans.
Full Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Norman Powell
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: John Collins
Utah Jazz Receive: Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, 2027 second-round pick
Let’s break down how each team and player fares in this multi-layered swap.
Miami Heat: A
Miami lands a dual-threat in Powell, an elite slasher who shines on both ends and carries playoff-tested toughness. At 32, his expiring contract offers flexibility for future roster moves.
His 41.8% three-point accuracy and ability to pressure opposing wings perfectly complement Herro and Adebayo’s inside-out dynamic. With their championship window still open, adding a reliable 20-point scorer and versatile defender represents slam-dunk value.
The Heat not only improve now, but also keep their cap options open next offseason. Powell is under contract for $20.5M this season but will be a free agent next year, so they have the flexibility to see how the team performs in 2025-26 and make a judgment accordingly.
Los Angeles Clippers: B+
The Clippers pivot from perimeter punch to interior presence, trading Powell’s scoring for Collins’s size and athleticism. Collins averaged 19 points on 52.7% shooting and grabbed 8.2 boards, bringing stretch-four versatility they sorely needed.
Though they lose a clutch wing, Collins shores up rebounding, floor spacing, and adds downstream trade or extension possibilities. It’s a calculated gamble, sacrificing scoring flair for a steadier foundational piece.
If Collins adapts, winger deficits may be offset by richer inside play. A new starting lineup of James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac looked stacked on paper.
Utah Jazz: C+
Utah ships out Collins in favor of a trio of veteran building blocks and a future pick, signaling full-force into youth. Kevin Love’s expiring deal offers flexibility ($4,150,000), Kyle Anderson provides playmaking and perimeter defense ($9,658,536 in 2026-27), and the 2027 second-rounder adds future value.
But losing Collins’s consistent offense and upside dents their competitive breadth. The added veterans may capably bridge the transition, but Jazz step down in talent ceiling. It’s a typical rebuild trade, they gain assets, but lose an established contributor.
John Collins: A
Collins gets a career reset with a contender. Moving to L.A. places him in a big market where his scoring and spacing can shine. He’s entering his prime with renewed opportunity to re-sign or parlay a strong season into bigger paydays.
The Clippers’ system could maximize his cutting and jump-shot upside. This clean slate is exactly what he needed, because he believes in himself to reach prime starting status or potentially All-Star level.
Collins is under contract for $26,580,000 in 2025-26 but will hit free agency after that, so this is his chance to receive a big payday. Hopefully, Collins can find a way to form a Big Three alongside Leonard and Harden because he has the talent to do it.
Norman Powell: A
Powell lands in a perfect fit with Miami, a team built to accentuate his strengths. His scoring, versatility, and leadership amplify an already cohesive unit. Leaving Los Angeles to live in Miami isn’t the worst situation, especially considering he will be in a title-contending situation.
And with the freedom to chase a new contract next summer, this trade offers both immediate impact and individual upside. For Powell, this is a truly winning move and also a change of atmosphere, considering the Clippers were going to move the 32-year-old eventually.
