The Miami Heat got their offseason started in the right way on Wednesday, locking up star center Bam Adebayo on a lucrative long-term contract.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Miami has signed the All-Star center to a three-year, $166 million contract extension through the 2028-29 season.
That $55 million per season puts Bam among the 11 highest-paid players in the NBA. He has more than earned it, with the center going from seldom-used player as a rookie in 2017-18 to one of the all-around best players at his position.
- Bam Adebayo stats (2020-24): 19.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 55% shooting
Now that Miami has locked up its five-time All-NBA Defensive Team performer, the hard work really gets going for Pat Riley and Co.
After a surprising appearance in the NBA Finals back in 2023, Miami lost in the first round of the NBA Playoffs this past season. There are a ton of question marks surrounding the organization as the summer continues, including the future of Jimmy Butler. Here, we look at three more moves the Heat need to make this summer.
Related: NBA insider provides update on Jimmy Butler trade from the Miami Heat
Miami Heat offseason moves after Bam Adebayo contract news
- Sign Jimmy Butler to contract extension: We’ve read the reports that Miami might simply trade Butler this summer rather than hand him the two-year, $113 million extension that he seeks. It would be a risk to hand the 34-year-old Butler that extension given his age and recent injury issues. But the Heat have no other choice if they want to remain viable on the broader NBA stage. At the very least, call his bluff and don’t trade the six-time All-Star for what would likely be pennies on the dollar.
- Use first-round pick on perimeter option: Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson simply are not going to cut it for a contending team in today’s NBA landscape. It’s in this that Miami has to use the 15th pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft on a perimeter option who could make an immediate impact. Jared McCain from Duke and former Miami (F) star Kyshawn George make sense.
- Trade Tyler Herro: We’ve seen it in each of the past two postseasons. Herro struggling when it counts the most for Miami. The time has come for this team to trade him as part of a larger package to get Butler a running partner. Perhaps, the Heat take a chance on Zach LaVine returning to form in a trade with the Chicago Bulls. Thinking bigger, Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks would be an ideal fit in South Beach.
Read more: Updated Miami Heat news and rumors