Bam Adebayo is one of the best big men in the league. He can guard multiple positions effectively and is also a great transition player and playmaker. He had a very good year with the Miami Heat, averaging 19.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 3.4 APG.
The Miami Heat are one of the teams that have been mentioned as trade suitors for Kevin Durant, and they are known for being one of his preferred destinations. Many have suggested that to get a player of Kevin Durant’s caliber, the Miami Heat would have to give up Bam Adebayo. However, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald has recently claimed that “Miami prefers not to deal” Bam Adebayo in a Kevin Durant trade scenario.
There has been no discussions between Bam Adebayo and the Heat about a Kevin Durant trade; the sense is that Miami prefers not to deal him.
Brooklyn would need to trade Ben Simmons if Adebayo were dealt to Brooklyn. Adebayo has not sought assurances from the Heat about whether he would be traded in any Durant deal.
According to SNY-TV NBA reporter Ian Begley, “people with connection to the Heat have been in Durant’s ear heavily in the days after the trade request.”
According to a league source briefed on the matter, initial talks between the Heat and Brooklyn were “hot and heavy”, but then cooled when Brooklyn wasn’t satisfied with Miami’s potential package. But the Heat continues its pursuit.
It makes sense for the Miami Heat to retain Bam Adebayo, as he is an extremely valuable player to have on a contending team. If they were able to get Kevin Durant, a big three of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kevin Durant would certainly be the best in the Eastern Conference.
The Miami Heat will have some competition when it comes to getting Kevin Durant, and teams like the Phoenix Suns have often been mentioned in connection to Durant. It remains to be seen where Kevin Durant ends up, and we’ll see if the Miami Heat are able to find a way to get more assets to execute a deal.
