As one of the key players in the Miami Heat roster, many wondered why Bam Adebayo hasn’t signed an extension with the team. He was selected as the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by Miami. Since then, the All-Star has re-signed once in 2020. It was a five-year extension worth around $163 million. 

October 23rd was the deadline for the extension-eligible veterans with two years left on their deal to sign new deals with the teams. Giannis Antetokounmpo, just signed an extension with the Bucks. So why didn’t Adebayo? 

Bam is yet to reach Supermax criteria. 

Ira Winderman, Sports reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, has an explanation for the situation. He shared, “The difference is Bam has not reached Supermax criteria, and therefore, unlike Giannis, benefits by waiting until next summer.” 

The first eligibility criteria is that the player must have at least seven years of experience in the NBA by the end of his current contract. Adebayo’s current deal ends in 2025 and he will be playing his seventh season now. This is why it would be much better if he signed one next year. 

However, he does meet the other required criteria. It is to be named to an All-NBA team in the most recent season or two in the last three seasons. The center was named for the All-Star team in 2020 and 2023. To be able to sign a Supermax deal next year,  he has to be selected for the team again in 2024. 

What are his chances for the coming season

Adebayo has proved himself to be an integral part of the Miami Heat roster. During the blockbuster, three-team deal this summer, it was reported that the Portland Trail Blazers made one request to Miami. They asked for Jimmy Butler or Adebayo in a deal for Damian Lillard. But Miami Heat president Pat Riley told the Sun Sentinel that he had said, “Not from us, we said no — no, no, no, no, no. So you have to get on the phone and talk to people.”

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This is a solid proof of the high regard that the team has for the 26 year-old. Bam is one of the NBA’s best defensive men. He has an average 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. He is still young with a lot more left to give. So Miami made the best choice in keeping him. Now all that remains is for Bam & Co to repeat their excellent season last year. Only this time, let’s hope they win the title. 

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