How Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell’s Extension Puts Extensive Pressure on the Miami Heat
Follow Us
Miami Heat was the surprise package of the 2019-2020 NBA season. From their entire run in the Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals, they defied all expectations and beat the odds. They earned everyone’s respect despite losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. One player that stood out was Bam Adebayo. Although the Heat want to give him an extension, they are in a bit of a tricky situation.
Bam just had one of the best seasons of his career so far. He was named to his first All-Star team and All-Defensive team. Ever since he was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2017, he has grown into one of the top centers in the league. As he is entering his fourth season, he is now eligible for a maximum rookie extension in the upcoming offseason.
But the Heat looks determined to save cap space so that they can acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo during free agency in 2021. If they wait too long, it could upset Bam, and there is also no guarantee they’ll be able to land Giannis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Another pressurizing situation for the Miami Heat?
There is also a lot of other pressure now. Most players from the 2017 Draft class like De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, Donovan Mitchell of Utah Jazz, and Jayson Tatum of Boston Celtics have been given their extensions. However, a deal for Adebayo is still a question mark.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On ESPN, Zach Lowe stated, “Well, it certainly doesn’t help the Heat’s argument that maybe Bam should wait that everyone else is not waiting. But this is a massively important issue. If Bam signs that max extension now, the Heat’s cap situation is such that they might have to trade almost everybody up to and including Tyler Herro… just to fit Giannis’ supermax or anybody else’s max should that come to pass. “
Trending
Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets
April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT
Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics
April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
Joel Embiid Banned By Empire State Building After Dangerous Incident On Court With Mitchell Robinson
April 26, 2024 02:59 AM EDT
“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment
April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT
“It’s Just Basketball”: LeBron James Rambles About Anxiety After Lakers Fall To Nuggets At Home
April 26, 2024 07:55 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Lowe further added, “So yeah, I think Fox, Tatum, and signing Donovan Mitchell signing these contracts does put pressure on the Heat. I think the Heat, Bam, and his team will meet this week. We’ll get news out of that meet. Bam and Giannis actually have the same agent. So, that’s another tricky dynamic part to all this. We’ll see how much pressure they exert.”
Former NBA player, Kendrick Perkins chimed into the discussion, too. He believes Bam is a “young stud” and “the sky is the limit for him.” He said, “He should get his paper, he deserves it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Will Miami Heat risk it all for Giannis? Or will they give Bam what he deserves and see where it takes them?