The Miami Heat made arguably the biggest acquisition of the NBA offseason, landing Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a haul of draft picks and a Tyler Herro-headlined player package.
While the two-time MVP is expected to be a sizable frontcourt upgrade alongside star center Bam Adebayo, Bobby Portis, who also joined Miami in the blockbuster move, should provide valuable depth.
Speaking about the deal’s ramifications, ex-Heat wing Norman Powell suggested that the franchise was forced to take back Portis, sparking a fiery reaction from the 11-year veteran.
Bobby Portis Takes Issue With Norman Powell’s Assessment of Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
After paying a king’s ransom to bring in Antetokounmpo, all eyes turned to how Miami would fill out its suddenly depleted roster and add enough shooting and playmaking around its dynamic frontcourt duo.
While Powell was initially viewed as an option to be re-signed in free agency, it quickly became apparent that the Heat wouldn’t be able to meet his salary demands. The 2019 NBA champion ultimately signed a two-year, $44.1 million deal with the rebuilding Chicago Bulls, with Miami replacing him with veteran sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. on a far more cost-effective contract.
In an interview with Fadeaway World’s Mark Medina published on Monday, Powell shed light on his mindset throughout the entire process.
“Honestly, I thought I would be going back to Miami throughout the course of the year. We knew they wanted to get Giannis. We heard some rumblings that ‘Norm, Bam, and Giannis sounds really good.’ So I thought that was the path,” Powell said.
“But when the trade is on the table, that was in the season, and I don’t know the talks behind it. I don’t know what Milwaukee’s stance was. But it seemed like they were like, ‘If you want Giannis, you have to take Bobby Portis.’ I think that played a part with the CBA rules and the hard cap with sending out money and receiving money. That put a tough swing on things, in my eyes. But I could be totally wrong.”
Powell’s speculation on Portis’ involvement in the deal prompted strong pushback from the fellow NBA champion, who took to X Monday to voice his disapproval.
“Yo Norm @npowell2404, I always respected ya game from a distance. We in the same draft. Shout out to 2015. Only bout 9 of us left, but keep my name out your mouth, brother. I ain’t no throw-in piece. From champ to champ respectfully, king. Be blessed, brother,” Portis wrote.
Yo Norm @npowell2404 , I always respected ya game from a distance. We in the same draft. Shout out to 2015. Only bout 9 of us left but keep my name out your mouth brother. I ain’t no throw in piece. From champ to champ respectfully king. Be blessed brother. https://t.co/bjNZ1wu5sC
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) August 11, 2026
Powell then clarified that he holds no ill will toward his 2015 NBA Draft counterpart, responding, “You my dawg, brotha always supporting. You wanna chop it up. Hit my line directly. Class of 2015 still hoopin.”
You my dawg brotha always supporting. You wanna chop it up. Hit my line directly. Class of 2015 still hoopin.
— Norman Powell (@npowell2404) August 11, 2026
Portis, 31, spent six seasons with Milwaukee, playing a vital role in the franchise’s 2021 title run. Though limited as a rim protector and lateral defender, the 6-foot-9 big man brings instant offense, rebounding, floor-spacing, and toughness to the table.
In the 2025-26 season, Portis averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.0 3-pointers per game on 48.8% shooting overall across 67 outings, making him more than an afterthought.
Still, Miami is now left with the daunting task of replacing Powell’s 21.7 ppg on the wing after the 33-year-old defied the odds and secured his first career All-Star selection in Year 11 en route to a major payday elsewhere.
