Free-agent forward Norman Powell has agreed to a two-year, $45 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed. The second year is a team option.
The 33-year-old forward is coming off a career season with the Miami Heat. He was a first-time All-Star this past season, averaging 21.7 points and making 38 percent of his 7.1 3-point attempts per game. Powell, an 11-year veteran, is a 39.6 percent career 3-point shooter.
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After shooting took a backseat among his early team-building priorities, new lead executive Bryson Graham landed a dynamic off-ball presence and secondary scorer who should give the Bulls’ starting lineup the necessary gravity to operate. More specifically, Powell should aid a young prospect like Caleb Wilson, who is likely to operate out of the post and has yet to extend his range.
After extending center Zach Collins on Tuesday, the Bulls entered Day 2 of free agency with around $23 million in salary-cap space and the room exception of $9.4 million. With Powell’s deal, the Bulls are essentially left to operate with that room exception.
The structure of Powell’s deal gives Chicago flexibility to pivot after this season. It also gives it the chance to potentially capitalize on Powell’s value at the trade deadline.