The Miami Heat solidified their future by agreeing to terms on a five-year extension with Bam Adebayo on Tuesday.
However, Adebayo's extension might negate any chance Miami had at landing Giannis Antetokounmpo in free agency next summer should the “Greek Freak” decline his supermax.
Bam's new salary against the cap hold will subtract at least $13 million from Miami's salary cap space next offseason, if not more.
Bam Adebayo’s extension will replace his cap hold ($15M) with his actual salary ($28M, or as much as $34M if he hits his 5th Year 30% Max triggers) on the Heat’s summer 2021-22 cap sheet, subtracting $13M – $18M of cap room.
— Albert Nahmad (@AlbertNahmad) November 24, 2020
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted the cap would have to make gains if the Heat hope to sign Giannis without orchestrating a sign-and-trade. Jackson also suggests Miami would likely have to trade Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, among others, while declining all team options on veterans to maximize space.
Only way now to sign Giannis without SIGN&TRADE if cap is $112.4 M: Next summer, trade Herro, Duncan, Nunn, KZ for draft picks after '21 and decline team options for Dragic/Iggy/Meyers. Team then Butler, Bam, Giannis, 9 others (minimums,exception money): https://t.co/fXlKGFZuHn
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 24, 2020
Obviously, such moves would alter the complexion of Miami's roster and the future of the organization.
Herro emerged as a budding star during the NBA restart, while Robinson was the best catch-and-shoot threat in the league and a vital floor-spacer for the Heat this past season. Kendrick Nunn also showed an ability to put the ball in the cup prior to losing playing time in Orlando.
Then again—as ESPN front office insider and former Brooklyn Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks noted—Heat president Pat Riley has a reputation for making miracles happen.
Riley made moves in order to acquire Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade last offseason, and he pulled off another three-team deal to acquire Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala ahead of the trade deadline. Not to mention, Riley's manifestation of the “Big 3” was a masterclass.
Adebayo's extension makes it difficult to envision Antetokounmpo in Heat colors. There is no guaranteeing he turns down the supermax, anyway.
Nevertheless, Riley and Co. could find ways to maneuver around cap issues.
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