The Miami Heat appear to be following in the trend of handing out massive rookie extensions. Days after Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum signed supermax deals with their respective teams, the Heat are reportedly working on Bam Adebayo's contract extension.
Prolonging extension talks to next year would have allowed Miami to retain maximum salary cap space for next year. But the Heat are prioritizing Adebayo's long-term security.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Adebayo is signing a five-year, $163 million deal.
The Miami Heat plan to sign All-Star Bam Adebayo to a five-year, $163M contract extension, source tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 24, 2020
Mr. Miami @ByTimReynolds says that the Heat are in the process of extending Bam Adebayo now rather than trying to maintain maximum salary-cap flexibility https://t.co/tHpGClffAa
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 24, 2020
The salary cap flexibility matters because of Miami's possible attempt to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Miami has been a rumored destination for the “Greek Freak” next summer in the event he declines to accept a supermax extension from the Milwaukee Bucks. Brian Windhorst of ESPN also reported Adebayo was among those waiting on Giannis' decision before negotiating his next deal with the Heat.
However, Antetokounmpo's supermax decision is not due until Dec. 21, just one day before the scheduled start of the 2020-21 season. Obviously, that does not lend the Heat basically any time before making a decision on Bam.
Had Miami not entered into extension talks, Adebayo would have become a restricted free agent next summer. Granted, the Heat could have simply decided they would match any offer sheet for Bam, but it could put them in a tough spot financially.
Not to mention, Adebayo is more than deserving of an extension.
The former Kentucky standout's development was a major reason for Miami's success. Adebayo averaged 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals en route to making his first All-Star team and also making Second Team All-Defense.
Although the Heat might still dream big about landing Giannis, they recognize Bam is a legitimate foundational piece. Miami is proceeding with this in mind.
Follow Us
Subscribe