The Chicago Bulls have secured a major backcourt upgrade, agreeing to terms with veteran shooting guard and Jamaican international Norman Powell on a two-year, US$45-million contract, league sources confirmed yesterday.

The deal, which includes a team option for the second year, brings the 33-year-old first-time All-Star to the Windy City after a career-best campaign with the Miami Heat.

Powell, who earned his maiden National Basketball League (NBA) All-Star nod last season, averaged a blistering 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, proving he remains one of the most efficient scorers in the league.