If there’s two players that have defined the Miami Heat in the past few years, it’s Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. And while Butler is no longer with Miami, Adebayo continues on as the cornerstone for the organization.
The team has continued to rebuild and reassess during the offseason, ready to power through with players Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins. And while the team has shown enough motivation, rumors continue to circulate after a terrible 0-6 win-loss preseason showing.
NBA Analyst Continues to Question $161,352,000 Star’s Future With the Miami Heat
With the Heat focused on rebuilding, there’s bound to be countless doubts about Adebayo’s future in Miami. And while the 28-year-old is seemingly loyal to his team, one can’t rule out a possible trade — especially if the Heat fail to deliver without Butler.
In a recent appearance on the “Road Trippin” podcast, NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins spoke about Adebayo, and his possible exit from Miami. A retired NBA star himself, Perkins seemed confident in his theory.
“Bam Adebayo will not be in a Miami Heat jersey at the end of this year,” Perkins said. “I believe he will not finish the season in Miami. I believe it’s time. We’ve seen what this Ware kid is doing. Miami is nowhere close to being a playoff team.”
According to the ESPN analyst, Adebayo’s time in Miami is coming to an end.
Furthermore, Perkins questioned head coach Erik Spoelstra — who has already won two championships for the Heat. While he didn’t want to doubt Spoelstra’s coaching, Perkins isn’t sure if the Heat can continue on as title contenders during the 2025-26 season.
“I never want to doubt Erik Spoelstra, but their roster stinks. It stinks. So Bam is at the point where he needs to be on the contender. He’s a valuable piece for a title contender.”
The 14th overall pick in 2017, Adebayo has spent his entire career with the Heat. He is currently signed to a three-year, $161,352,000 deal with the Heat, earning a total of a $176,800,192 during his eight-year career.
Adebayo Remains Confident Despite the Heat’s Roster Shakeup
As mentioned, the Heat’s roster turned upside down after Butler departed for the Golden State Warriors. And while they still have important pieces like Herro and Adebayo, it’s going to be difficult to say they are title contenders.
Adebayo, despite the team’s uphill task, is confident that the team will pull off a successful campaign.
“It’s a very good shake-up for our team, and now there’s a different dynamic to it,” Adebayo said in an interview.
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Last season, Adebayo averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game while shooting 48.5% from the field.
The Heat will kick start their new campaign with a game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
