Bam Adebayo is definitely one of the players most deserving of a mega extension from his team, but recent reports indicate the Miami Heat will delay a new deal for their big man in order to preserve cap space to facilitate an attempt to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021.
This has been backed by NBA salary cap enthusiast Albert Nahmad.
This is simply based on Nahmad’s analysis of the Heat’s salary structure and there’s been no confirmation from the team or team sources. But, it totally makes sense given that 2021 will be a huge year for free agency in the NBA.
Of course, the Heat and Adebayo would need to be on the same page for this to work and his commitment could be tested. He’s likely to understand that this would be for the good of the team and will simply have to wait another year to make his bank.
Heat legend Dwyane Wade famously accepted a lot less money than he was due on a consistent basis to ensure the team remained competitive and they won two titles as a result. Yet, things eventually soured and he would leave for the Chicago Bulls before signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then returning to Miami, where he would retire. Wade still insists Pat Riley did him wrong, however, the pair have reconciled, much to the enjoyment of Heat fans.
The Heat should have learned from this mistake and may have to relent if Adebayo refuses to agree to such a request. Only time will tell, though.
