Pat Riley is making moves.
Pat Riley is The Talk of the NBA on Monday After Pulling Off Blockbuster Trade for Norman Powell originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Miami Heat had a whirlwind of a season this past year to say the least.
For starters, Jimmy Butler was at the center of a drama-filled trade saga that saw him shipped to the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Butler drama hanging over the team like a dark cloud, they still made the playoffs as the No. 10 seed after fighting through the NBA Play-In Tournament.
However, the team was embarrassed in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, getting swept in the NBA's most-lopsided series in playoff history.
Following the loss, team president Pat Riley hinted at major roster changes coming over the offseason, but through the first few days of free agency, nothing materialized. The most exciting nugget of news was their connection to three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, who the Phoenix Suns are expected to pay to not be on their team.
With frustrations from fans growing, Riley made a huge move.
On Monday, ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news on a three-team deal featuring the Heat, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers, that saw the Heat part with an aging Kevin Love and Kyler Anderson in exchange for Norman Powell.
BREAKING: The Clippers, Jazz and Heat have agreed to a trade that sends Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to Los Angeles, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 Clippers second-round pick to the Jazz, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/o0FkV0o2l8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025
The unexpected move has fans praising Riley, with some even saying he was the clear winner of the trade.
"Traded away two bench guys for a 20 PPG scorer with 40% from 3 on a expiring Opened up a roster spot and set yourself to clear your books even more next offseason We give you a lot of sh*t, but you cooked on this one Pat Riley, well done. 🔥," wrote one fan.
"Pat Riley actually cooked we just got Norman Powell for free," said a second.
"Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, and a 2nd rounder for Norman Powell.... I have to give credit where it's due......Pat Riley fleeced em," added another.
"Pat Riley traded bench players for a starter who averaged 22 points on 48/42/80% shooting last season 🥲,"
With Powell in the Mix, the Heat may just end up being one of the favorites in a weak East.
Now that fans know Riley is awake and ready to make moves, the anticipation of what's next has them on the edge of their seats.
Related: Kevin Love Reacts to Heat's Decision to Trade Him to Jazz
Related: Bradley Beal to Heat Receives Major Update After Clippers' Decision
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
