On July 8, the Miami Heat struck a 3-team trade to bring Norman Powell to South Beach. Pat Riley gave up Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson as part of the deal, with the duo heading to the Utah Jazz.
In a recent episode of the “Zaslow Show 2.0” NBA cap expert Bobby Marks explained why he doesn’t expect Miami to make another big move ahead of the new season. Instead, he envisions the Heat rounding out the roster with a veteran minimum addition.
“I mean, listen, we’re going to see probably within the next couple of days, Beal become available in free agency,” Marks said. “I think the Norman Powell move eliminates that, as far as what they need. They’re a little bit below the first apron, so they can go out and sign a minimum guy if they want to do that. But I’m not anticipating another big move.”
Bobby Marks says he’s not expecting another big move from MIA this offseason after Norman Powell trade
“I like the move, it was a low risk move as far as what they did….I’m not anticipating a huge move as for what’s next with this roster”
(Via @BobbyMarks42)
The Heat were eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs in the first round. Adding Powell and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis will undoubtedly give Erik Spoelstra some additional room to try new things. However, the current roster still needs some further upgrades. Finding a willing trade partner for Terry Rozier could be a logical next step.
Jakucionis Explains California Classic Struggles
Jakucionis averaged 4 points on a total of 1-of-15 shooting during the California Classic. He also went 0-of-11 from deep and registered a total of 12 turnovers through 3 games.
When speaking with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Jakucionis gave an honest assessment of his performances during his first taste of professional-level basketball.
“I think I need to settle in more, play at my own pace, don’t get sped up much as I was in these 3 games,” Jakucionis said. “I didn’t feel myself in those games, but I think that’s normal. It’s a process, so I’m just happy to be here, be able learn from coaches, from other guys by working out, watching film and understanding the game.”
Jakucionis continued.
“I think I’m just not in a rhythm. I’m just trying to get back in a rhythm after all the process I had. So I’m just trying to get back to myself and just trying to execute as hard as I can. When I go to the court, I just give 100%. Even if I don’t do the best on offense, I try to give 100% on defense and just try to help the team to win.”
Jakucionis is undoubtedly far more talented than his recent performances have shown. Nevertheless, he must impress during the Las Vegas Summer League to avoid any unnecessary pressure being added to his shoulders.
Jakucionis Excited to Play With Heat Stars
When speaking to the media after being drafted, Jakucionis shared his excitement at the opportunity to play with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
“The playmaking ability is what I do,” Jakucionis said. “I’m just grateful to play with guys like Bam Adebayo. We can play together in pick-and-rolls. And Tyler Herro and all those kinds of players. I’m just very happy and grateful to be in this place…I’m so excited. I’m just grateful for this moment to be in this place with this opportunity to get my name called. It’s special for me. That was what I was working for all my life since I was little, and that was my dream. But now this is just the beginning, and everything starts from new.”
It will be interesting to see how Jakucionis’ playmaking ability helps unlock scoring opportunities for his new teammates. However, he must impress during training camp and pre-season if he’s going to earn minutes in Spoelstra’s rotation. Judging by his offensive skillset, he should have a role to play, either off the bench or with the starters.
