How Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell’s Extension Puts Extensive Pressure on the Miami Heat

Miami Heat was the surprise package of the 2019-2020 NBA season. From their entire run in the Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals, they defied all expectations and beat the odds. They earned everyone’s respect despite losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. One player that stood out was Bam Adebayo. Although the Heat want to give him an extension, they are in a bit of a tricky situation.

Bam just had one of the best seasons of his career so far. He was named to his first All-Star team and All-Defensive team. Ever since he was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2017, he has grown into one of the top centers in the league. As he is entering his fourth season, he is now eligible for a maximum rookie extension in the upcoming offseason.

But the Heat looks determined to save cap space so that they can acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo during free agency in 2021. If they wait too long, it could upset Bam, and there is also no guarantee they’ll be able to land Giannis.

Another pressurizing situation for the Miami Heat?

There is also a lot of other pressure now. Most players from the 2017 Draft class like De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, Donovan Mitchell of Utah Jazz, and Jayson Tatum of Boston Celtics have been given their extensions. However, a deal for Adebayo is still a question mark.

On ESPN, Zach Lowe stated, “Well, it certainly doesn’t help the Heat’s argument that maybe Bam should wait that everyone else is not waiting. But this is a massively important issue. If Bam signs that max extension now, the Heat’s cap situation is such that they might have to trade almost everybody up to and including Tyler Herro… just to fit Giannis’ supermax or anybody else’s max should that come to pass. “

Lowe further added, “So yeah, I think Fox, Tatum, and signing Donovan Mitchell signing these contracts does put pressure on the Heat. I think the Heat, Bam, and his team will meet this week. We’ll get news out of that meet. Bam and Giannis actually have the same agent. So, that’s another tricky dynamic part to all this. We’ll see how much pressure they exert.”

Former NBA player, Kendrick Perkins chimed into the discussion, too. He believes Bam is a “young stud” and “the sky is the limit for him.” He said, “He should get his paper, he deserves it.”  

Will Miami Heat risk it all for Giannis? Or will they give Bam what he deserves and see where it takes them?