To become paid in the NBA, especially money that is usually spent on All-Stars, players have to show out with a positive, outlier run, or at least meet the expectations. If not, front offices will worry that if greatness cannot be produced now, how can it be seen in the future?
Furthermore, Norman Powell, a new face near South Beach, was disappointing in the 2025 playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. He could have single-handedly lifted the LA Clippers into the second round, but his scoring averages were sub-par, and costly playoff turnovers were taking shape.
The nervousness of knowing that his future, as far as signing the extension he wanted, was at stake could have weighed heavily on his mind, yet James Harden did not dominate either, and the Clippers signed him for two more seasons.