The Miami Heat have been rumored to be one of the things interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is one of the biggest stars in the league right now, and even though he’s making it clear that he wants to remain loyal to the Milwaukee Bucks, a couple of things are interested in acquiring his services shortly.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors have been linked with the current NBA MVP, but the Heat might have a good chance to land the 25-year-old if he decides to leave his current team. However, there is a catch for the Floridians if they actually want to land Giannis.
According to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, if the Heat sign Bam Adebayo to a contract extension this summer, that would hurt their chances to land Giannis next year. Adebayo has become one of the strongest big men in the league this season, earning his first All-Star call, leading the Heat to be one of the best teams in the West alongside Jimmy Butler and co.
“But if the Heat doesn’t extend him this summer — and instead allows Adebayo to enter restricted free agency in the summer of 2021 — Miami could sign outside free agents first and then sign Adebayo to a new five-year deal in the 2021 offseason, with a cap charge of $15.3 million for that 2021-22 season regardless of what Miami pays him. The $15.3 million cap charge for Adebayo if he waits on a Heat extension until the 2021 offseason would be his cap hold on the Heat’s books entering the summer of 2021 and would be significantly less than Miami’s 2021-22 cap charge for Adebayo if he signs an extension at the max or close to it this summer.”
Before the NBA entered a hiatus, Adebayo was averaging 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting 56.7 percent from the field. He’s been a terrific player for the Heat this campaign, so there is no doubt he’s earned a massive contract.
However, they could wait until the summer of 2021 to make a final decision on this. Besides Giannis, the Heat could land other superstars, so everything isn’t said on this.
This year, they turned things around with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. The combination of experience with the young players they have on the ranks only makes us think Miami has a bright future ahead.
