The Chicago Bulls entered the offseason with more money than they needed to spend . That gave them the financial flexibility to overpay for players who, otherwise, probably would've never considered joining the team.
That's how they got Norman Powell. The former Miami Heat just needed to see an offer sheet for two years and $44 million to be fully sold on whatever the Bulls had to sell, knowing he probably wouldn't have gotten that elsewhere.
That's why he doesn't seem too worried about the team's chances of contending next season. If anything, he seems quite aware of the fact that he's a long shot to see through the end of his deal in the Windy City.
"We have the potential to be really good. But we also have the potential to be really bad," Powell told Fadeaway World.
While he then elaborated on his comments and talked about proving the doubters wrong and whatnot, that's not usually what most players would say of their teams. Of course, the fans will appreciate the candid response, but we ought to read between the lines as well.
Powell is 33. He knows he won't play at a high level for much longer, and this was probably his last chance to capitalize on a lucrative contract, especially with the financial constraints that come with the current CBA .
Most veterans only agree to join rebuilding teams when they have emotional ties to the organization. But as a San Diego native who attended Lincoln High in California and played college hoops at UCLA, that might not be the case.
That makes him a part of the other group of veterans who don't seem to care about ring-chasing in the final stage of their careers- the bag chasers. He's entitled to his money, but he has to keep the main thing the main thing.
As long as Powell is either helping the Bulls win games or the youngsters get better, fine, cash in those checks. But the second he's taking touches away from the rookies or focusing solely on his numbers, he should be on his way out.
Of course, the Bulls will indirectly benefit from his big scoring outbursts, even when losing, because that should help drive up his trade value. Still, it's somewhat disappointing to know he might be okay with this team not being very good next season.
For too long, this team has floated around .500 basketball and settled for being just good enough. That has to change, and building a winning culture starts with the veterans and the example they set every day in practice. Powell must buy in. Otherwise, what's the point?
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This article was originally published on www.dawindycity.com as Norman Powell's head-scratching take on the 2026 Bulls says everything about his future .
