Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat’s 2024-25 season came to an unceremonious close after the Cleveland Cavaliers swept them 4-0 in the 2025 NBA playoffs. As a result, they enter the offseason with roster uncertainty.
In his post-game press conference on Monday, April 28, Adebayo mentioned that there are going to be a lot of changes this summer. It leads to the thought that perhaps the best path forward for the Heat after trading Jimmy Butler away is to kick the tires on what Adebayo could bring in return.
Top 5 Landing Spots for Bam Adebayo
“Just from my point of view, understanding how the guy with the silver hair [Pat Riley] works, just be prepared for that [changes],” Adebayo said, adding fuel to the flame after the Heat sputtered to their season’s end.
If these changes mean Adebayo could be on the move, which teams could be potential fits for the former All-Star center?
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a big man to put alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. If Dorian Finney-Smith opts into his player option, the Lakers could send him, Dalton Knecht, and Rui Hachimura with whatever draft capital they have at their disposal in return for the Heat All-Star.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are headed into an offseason of change, much like Miami. Perhaps a swap of Desmond Bane and Zach Edey for Bam Adebayo and Jaime Jaquez Jr. would be beneficial for both teams in the long term.
While the Heat may opt to make Kel’el Ware their full-time starting center if they move on from Adebayo, the combination of Edey and Bane sliding right into the starting lineup would keep Miami in the playoff picture next season.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama is not a traditional 5, and adding Adebayo alongside him would take some primary defensive pressure off of him. A package involving Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and Harrison Barnes, plus draft capital, could start the conversation. It all comes down to whether Miami wants to trade Adebayo and still contend or if it is the beginning of a full rebuild.
4. Sacramento Kings
The decision to fire Mike Brown and trade De’Aaron Fox did not have an immediate payout. It has also been proven that the combination of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan is not a winning formula. The Sacramento Kings could send DeRozan, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Devin Carter to Miami for Adebayo. A trio of Sabonis, Adebayo, and LaVine could move the needle.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Anthony Davis would prefer to play at the 4 more often than the 5. By sending Caleb Martin, Max Christie, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II to Miami, the Mavericks could take better advantage of their championship window with Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson by making the move to acquire Adebayo.