All-Star guard Norman Powell admitted that returning to the Heat was his preferred outcome but accepted that the franchise had made a business decision.
Norman Powell's stint with the Miami Heat came to an end after just one season, despite the veteran guard earning the first All-Star selection of his NBA career in South Florida.
Powell entered free agency hoping to remain in Miami, but the Heat ultimately decided to move in a different direction, leading the 33-year-old to sign with the Chicago Bulls.
Speaking to reporters in Las Vegas, Powell admitted that returning to the Heat was his preferred outcome but accepted that the franchise had made a business decision.
"Did I want to return to Miami? Yeah, I did," Powell said via Miami Herald. "But obviously, it's a business. They made their decisions and made their moves and things happen. And it is what it is."
Powell has now begun a new chapter with the Bulls, although the second season of his contract is reportedly not guaranteed.
The veteran guard downplayed the uncertainty surrounding the deal and insisted that his focus is on helping Chicago win rather than looking too far ahead.
"I go in every situation wanting to be where I'm at and help win," Powell said. "Looking at the business of it, I've been around so long that it crossed my mind. But I'm focused on being in the moment."
Powell also discussed the significance of becoming an NBA All-Star for the first time during his season with the Heat.
The achievement strengthened his belief that he could perform at that level and provided an answer to those who had doubted whether he was capable of reaching that milestone.
"It solidified that to myself that I can play at this level, more so than anything," Powell said.
"And it just shut everybody else up that said that it wasn't even possible. But for me, it was just another milestone that I wanted to get checked off the list."
However, Powell made it clear that he is not satisfied with making just one All-Star appearance.
"I didn't want just one All-Star, I want multiple All-Stars," he continued. "And obviously my career path and different things, roles and things that I've had to play, it is what it is.
"I wanted to win as well, so I'm not going to sacrifice winning just to try to achieve something individually. I want to win championships, I want to be in the playoffs every single year, I want to compete for something.
"But the opportunity came for me to finally step into the role and the player that I've always saw myself being able to do, and I've been able to take advantage of that opportunity."
New chapter in Chicago
Powell now turns his attention toward the Bulls and believes his new situation will allow him to continue playing the style of basketball that helped him reach All-Star status.
"I'm just really excited for coming to a new city, a new chapter and just being a part of something that could be very special," Powell said.
The veteran also sees an opportunity to contribute beyond his production on the court by sharing his experience with his new teammates.
"I know where I'm at in my career," Powell said. "Obviously, the whole focal point is winning and wanting to get back to that championship stage.
"But just looking at the opportunity that was in front of me, that's going to allow me to be able to play my game of basketball how I want to play it and be able to help pass on knowledge."
