- Miami, L.A., Utah involved in astonishing three-team trade
- Miami gets Norman Powell ; L.A. gets John Collins
- Utah gets Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 LAC 2nd-round pick
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The Clippers, Heat, and Jazz have reportedly shaken up the NBA landscape with a fresh three-team trade. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Norman Powell is packing his bags for Miami, John Collins is on his way to Los Angeles, while Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers are heading to Utah. It's a deal that shifts pieces across three coasts, with each team looking to address key roster needs ahead of the new season.
LA Clippers receive: John Collins
Miami Heat receive: Norman Powell
Utah Jazz receive: Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, 2027 second-round pick (via LAC)
Getty Images SportPowell's move to Miami could be just what the doctor ordered for both player and team. The veteran guard, who is coming off arguably the best season of his 10-year career, averaging a career-high 21.8 points, along with 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals, showed during the 2024-25 campaign that he's more than capable of putting up All-Star-level numbers when given room to shine, something the Heat can absolutely offer.
Powell adds instant scoring punch and versatility to Miami's offense, and the team didn't have to empty the asset cupboard to make it happen. He's entering the final year of a deal worth $20.5 million annually, and he's eligible to ink a three-year, $80.6 million extension through January. However, that kind of commitment didn't appeal to the Clippers. With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden both coming off the books in 2027, L.A. is eyeing a massive salary reset, making Powell the odd man out despite his productivity.
Kevin Love, now 34 and gearing up for his 18th NBA season, was included in the deal headed to Utah. He's coming off a quiet stint in Miami, where he logged 5.3 points and 4.1 boards in 23 appearances last year. He remains under contract through 2026.
As for John Collins, the 27-year-old forward lands in L.A. after a productive two-year run with the Jazz, following six seasons in Atlanta. Last season, he averaged 19 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2 assists on 52.7% shooting, numbers that could mesh nicely alongside Harden, Kawhi, and Ivica Zubac. He'll earn $26.6 million this season before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer, and he's eligible for a three-year, $100.5 million extension.
Kyle Anderson, who also heads to Utah, will suit up for his sixth NBA franchise. The 32-year-old forward averaged 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across 61 games last season with Miami and Golden State. He's under contract through 2026, with salaries of $9.2 million and $9.7 million respectively. While Collins to the Clippers may have come out of left field, it’s a shrewd short-term play. On an expiring deal, he gives L.A. one solid season to bolster their championship window while keeping long-term flexibility intact.
Getty Images SportUtah's move is pretty straightforward: they've essentially flipped John Collins' expiring contract into a future draft asset, banking on long-term flexibility over short-term production.
The real intrigue lies with Miami and L.A. Unlike the Jazz, both teams are walking a fine line between competing now and navigating future cap implications.
Collins and Powell arrive on expiring deals, meaning the Heat and Clippers are on the clock from day one. They'll soon face a crucial choice: lock these players up with sizable new contracts or treat them as high-impact one-season rentals for a playoff push. Either way, the pressure's on to make it count quickly, or risk losing them for nothing.