Amidst trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat made a significant move to secure one of their key players. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Heat intend to sign star center Bam Adebayo to a three-year, $166 million maximum contract extension. Although Adebayo could have qualified for a four-year, $245 million supermax contract if he made one of the All-NBA teams, the agreed-upon deal is still substantial for the 26-year-old.
Adebayo had two years left on his five-year, $163 million extension signed in 2020. Nonetheless, Miami decided to extend his contract through the 2028-29 season, a proactive move after Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported in May that the Heat planned to offer him a “lucrative” extension despite his existing deal.
In the 2023-24 season, Adebayo averaged 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, earning his third All-Star selection. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the first time, after four consecutive Second Team selections. Adebayo also finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, marking his fifth consecutive top-five finish in the award’s voting.
While the Heat secured their future with Adebayo’s extension, Butler’s situation remains uncertain. Team owner Pat Riley surprised many by showing disinterest in extending Butler’s contract this summer, stating, “We have not discussed that internally right now… We don’t have to do it until 2025, actually. But we’ll see.”
Butler is contracted for $48.8 million in 2024-25 with a player option for $52.4 million in 2025-26. Despite Butler’s uncertain status, the Heat can feel more secure with Adebayo’s agreement, as he represents a foundational player for Miami’s future.
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