Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has chosen to forego an immediate extension, passing on a two-year, $97 million deal that would have secured his future until the 2027-28 season, Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of Miami Herald write.
Instead, he aims to qualify for a more lucrative four-year, $245 million “supermax” extension, emphasizing his intention to pursue a more substantial contract in the near future.
Adebayo, currently in his seventh NBA season, opted not to commit to the offered extension before the recent deadline, keeping his eligibility open for the higher-earning contract.
His decision was motivated by the possibility of meeting the NBA’s “supermax” requirements, which necessitate specific achievements such as All-NBA team selections or Defensive Player of the Year honors, among others.
The 26-year-old player acknowledged that financial considerations influenced his decision, recognizing the significant disparity between the offered contract and the potential earnings from a “supermax” deal.
However, he and his team have carefully deliberated the best course of action, highlighting the importance of making informed choices for his career.
Despite ranking fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, Adebayo has yet to secure the award, and his All-NBA recognition has been limited to votes from the panel.
