The Chicago Bulls introduced themselves at their Media Day on Monday at the United Center. One new face brought in to help chart a new path is veteran Norman Powell. In the offseason, Powell signed a two-year, $45 million contract after leaving the Miami Heat.
However, his contract includes a team option in the second year, which could make him a target for playoff-contending teams. Nevertheless, Powell isn't fazed, as he said Monday that he wants to focus on the present, not the future.
“I'm in the present,” Powell said to Sam Smith of NBA.com. “You know I'm not worried about anything else outside of that. My job is to lead this team and help these guys win. Help establish a winning culture, and what Tiago (Splitter) sees. My job is to be a leader. I'm not worried about or thought about what the future looks like. Teams, trades, things like that. That's out of my control. My job is to be here and be where I'm at. I want to be here. I'm excited to be here.”
Article Continues BelowNorman Powell says he isn’t too caught up into the future but focusing on the past@ClutchPoints pic.twitter.com/JrcpF4DUXm
— Zachary Draves (@DravesZachary) September 28, 2026
While the possibility of a trade hangs over his head, the Bulls brought in Powell, 33, for two reasons. One is because his an efficient scorer. The other is his pedigree, which younger players can learn from.
Last year, Powell averaged 21.7 points per game. He also shot 47% from the field and 38.0% from the 3-point line. Furthermore, Powell is an NBA Champion with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and an NBA All-Star in 2026.
That younger talent, with Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, paired with season veterans such as Josh Giddey and Nic Claxton, puts Powell in that mix. He adds much-needed point totals from all spots on the floor, which Chicago really needs.