The Miami Heat may soon face a franchise-altering decision, and Bam Adebayo is at the center of it.
Kendricks Perkins thinks his days in Miami are numbered.
“Bam Adebayo will not be in a Miami Heat jersey at the end of this year,” Perkins said on Road Trippin’, stating he believes the Heat’s cornerstone is headed for the exit sooner rather than later. “He will not finish the season in Miami. I believe it’s time. Miami is nowhere close to being a playoff team. I never want to doubt Erik Spoelstra, but their roster stinks. Bam is at the point where he needs to be on a contender.”
It’s a bold statement, but one that reflects the growing uncertainty around a team that has lost its identity since Jimmy Butler’s departure.
Miami finished last season 10th in the East at 37-45, falling to Cleveland in the first round.
Even with Adebayo’s steady production, 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 48.5 percent shooting, the Heat simply weren’t competitive enough.
Behind the scenes, Pat Riley’s front office appears to be shifting toward the long game.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst recently reported that Miami is keeping its books clean for a “historic” 2027 free agency class, one that could include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyrie Irving.
Windhorst noted that the Heat haven’t had any “substantive talks” with Tyler Herro about an extension, and that Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins are unlikely to re-sign.
Golden State has been mentioned as a potential suitor, with a package built around Jonathan Kuminga and other assets. The Lakers, too, could join the mix, particularly if they decide to pivot away from Austin Reaves in favor of adding an All-Star-caliber big alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
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