Heat Notes: Powell, Rozier, Herro, Jakucionis, Morant, LaRoche
A Star is Born: The Heat's Contract Conundrum
On November 2nd, 2025, at 8:22 am CST, the Miami Heat's future was in the balance, with a key player's contract situation taking center stage. Guard Norman Powell, a fan favorite, was in the final year of his deal, set to earn $20.48MM in the 2025/26 season. With his extension eligibility set to expire on June 30, 2026, the Heat faced a crucial decision: extend or let him walk away as a free agent.
According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Powell expressed his desire for a long-term extension, citing his love for the team and its culture. "I love it here. I love everything about the Heat," he emphasized. "I loved them before. They were on my list before I signed my extension in Portland. I wanted to come here and play for the Heat. So I’m excited. I like the culture. I like what they have going on here. I like the mentality and the approach. I feel like they take guys to the next level."
But here's where it gets interesting. Powell's stellar start to the season, averaging 24.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals, was cut short by a right groin strain. The 32-year-old is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Lakers, leaving the Heat with a crucial decision to make.
As Chiang notes, Powell's value to the team extends beyond the court. "Hopefully [the Heat] like everything that’s happened so far and what I bring to the table outside of just on the court," he said. "But just who I am every single day, stepping into the arena, integrating myself with the team and the staff and the members around."
Meanwhile, the Heat are also navigating the Terry Rozier conundrum. The veteran guard, facing two federal charges as part of an illegal gambling probe, has been a topic of discussion. According to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Heat considered waiving Rozier before the season began and had buyout discussions with him. The team's short-term steps, as Winderman suggests, could include commissioner Adam Silver taking action to provide more cap and roster flexibility.
Adding to the mix, All-Star Tyler Herro and rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis are traveling with the team on its four-game road trip, which ends in Denver. Herro, recovering from left ankle surgery, and Jakucionis, nursing a right groin strain, are both out on Sunday, but Jakucionis is closer to making his season debut.
The Heat's interest in Ja Morant, though previously expressed, seems to have taken a backseat following his latest off-court incident. Winderman doesn't expect the team to explore a buyout, given the Grizzlies guard's recent suspension for detrimental conduct. Meanwhile, the Heat have brought in former assistant coach Noah LaRoche as a consultant, implementing the movement-heavy offense he was in charge of with Memphis. The early results are promising, with the Heat currently ranking seventh in the league in offensive efficiency.
As the Heat navigate these contract and roster decisions, the question remains: will they be able to keep their star players and maintain their success? The answer lies in the hands of the front office and the players themselves. But one thing is clear: the Heat are a team on the rise, and their future is full of possibilities.
