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Bam Adebayo is the future of the center.
That’s why the Miami Heat are set to pay him like it.
“The Miami Heat are moving forward with a maximum rookie-scale extension for All-Star center Bam Adebayo, the team confirmed Tuesday, a five-year agreement that would kick in for the 2021-22 season and could run upwards of five years at almost $200 million,” the Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman reported.
Adebayo had his best season in the NBA last year as he nearly doubled every major category.
With 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, Adebayo’s ability to attack the rim with no regard for any other player was on clear display, especially during the Heat’s unlikely run to the NBA Finals.
Adebayo was adequately represented for his tremendous improvements. A finalist for Most Improved Player, Adebayo was nominated both the All-Star game and to the All-Defensive team. His versatility is what makes him such a top-tier defender. He can guard both your best big and your best guard unlike many other centers in the league.
That said, Adebayo’s contract was set to expire next offseason.
The Miami Heat, who have one of the best front offices in the NBA, led by Pat Riley, aren't letting him out of their sight. Making just $5.1 million, we’re expecting to hear of an Adebayo extension in the near future.
The sky is the ceiling for Adebayo. At just 6-9, Adebayo was barley a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Selected at No. 14, Adebayo was the second Wildcat of the draft, behind De’Aaron Fox. Fox also got paid this offseason to a tune of five years and $163 million.
Something similar is heading Adebayo’s way soon.
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