As the Miami Heat prepare to chase star players in the offseason, the NBA’s financial losses from coronavirus play a key factor.
The Heat’s Rising star Bam Adebayo could be affected by this.
Adebayo has two years left on his rookie contract, but the Heat could wait to give him a contract extension, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“The Heat have the second-highest payroll in the NBA this season with several key players such as Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder and Meyers Leonard headed for free agency,” Windhorst notes. “While they expect to save cap room to chase free-agent stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021 and might not extend young All-Star Bam Adebayo this year to help facilitate that plan, their spending for next year could be impacted by these financial factors.”
Coronavirus has affected everyone, as Heat owner Micky Arison has lost $2.5 billion in net worth since March.
If waiting to extend Adebayo meant luring Antetokounmpo to Miami, it would ultimately be worth it in the long run for the Heat.
A “big three” of Antetokounmpo, Adebayo and Jimmy Butler would be one of the best in the league.
Adebayo, 23, was an All-Star this season and averaged 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
