NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat Set to Drop Key Player as it Eyes a Potential Super Team for 2021

The Miami Heat selected Bam Adebayo with the 14th overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft. Though Bam was not a breakthrough star right from his rookie year, his potential was viewed by everyone. This season has proved to be the real deal for the 23-year-old, as he has immensely elevated his game. Should the Miami Heat keep him or trade Bam Adebayo?

Bam took his time to work on his improvements and sit well in the NBA. But, this season, he has been out of this world with his two-way game. Bam can swiftly cover both ends of the courts. He can be the main man who gets a vital block and then runs up the court to complete the fast counter. 

Since Bam signed with the Heat in 2017, he can extend his contract before the 2020-21 season begins. The rookie contracts can be stretched a year before it officially ends. Adebayo’s contract runs till 2020-21 and the Heat can make him stay longer by locking him in for a few more years with a lucrative deal post the completion of the current season. But that might not be the case. 

The Miami Heat might not extend Bam Adebayo’s contract

Though the news is not yet officially out, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that the Heat might take the alternate route. Instead of extending Adebayo’s rookie contract, the franchise will be looking to obtain a superstar during the 2021 off-season.

“He’s not going to get a max contract in the offseason,” said Brian Windhorst on his podcast. “Even though I think he should, because the Heat are going to save money for the 2021 summer.

“That’s a storyline that I can almost guarantee for you: Bam Adebayo will not sign a contract extension this offseason,” Windhorst assured.  “It will be, ‘Bam, we’ll take care of you later.'”

Who will the Heat pursue by saving huge cap space?

The Miami Heat are looking to spend it all on a superstar free-agent during the 2021 off-season. To take the path that win them championships, the franchise knows that they have to spend big. They did the same in 2010, and that move earned them back-to-back titles and four straight trips to the finals. 

There is one familiar name that always arises when talking about free-agency signings. The ‘Greek Freak’ Giannis Antetokounmpo will be an unrestricted free-agent upon the completion of next season. Unless he signs a supermax contract with the Bucks. 

The Bucks will also offer Giannis a supermax, but the reigning MVP will certainly explore other options as well. If he sets his sights on Miami, there can be no stopping him. Jimmy Butler and Giannis will prove to be an electrifying pair. 

While Giannis is certainly an option, there is another talented player on the Heat’s radar. Victor Oladipo’s contract with the Pacers ends by the 2020-21 season, with an additional year that comes as a player option. The 28-year-old has plenty of experience in the league and is earning an annual salary of $21 million per year. It can be speculated that he will certainly think about moving if the Heat come looking for him with an attractive offer in mind. 

Oladipo and Giannis are the two main targets that the Heat should be eying if they were to not extend Adebayo’s contract. Giannis is only 25-years-old and has every bit of potential to keep running for a decade more. 

The idea of signing Blake Griffin is also a possibility. Griffin’s contract with the Pistons runs till 2021-22, with the final year being a player option. The former Lob City star is earning a fortune with the Pistons. But, investing in a player like Griffin who will be 32 by the time the Heat will look at him is not a favorable move. Giannis and Victor Oladipo are the two potential players who can add to the Heat’s firepower. 

SOURCE: Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective,  RealGM.com,  Spotrac