Latest news with #BamAdebayo
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Insider States Who The Heat Should ‘Prioritize' Getting This Offseason
NBA Insider States Who The Heat Should 'Prioritize' Getting This Offseason originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In a recent discussion on "The Zach Lowe Show," NBA insider Zach Lowe emphasized that the Miami Heat should prioritize acquiring younger talent over veteran players like DeMar DeRozan this offseason. Advertisement Lowe specifically highlighted Jonathan Kuminga as a prime target, suggesting that the Heat should focus on players who can contribute long-term rather than short-term fixes. "I think the Heat would be smart to prioritize like a Johnathan Kuminga, like a younger guy, ahead of a DeRozan," Lowe stated, indicating a strategic shift towards building a sustainable future. The Heat's recent playoff exit against the Cleveland Cavaliers underscored the need for a scoring wing, a role that DeRozan could fill. However, Lowe's advice points to a broader vision, where the Heat leverage their assets to secure promising young players like Kuminga, who could pair well with the team's core of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center.© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images This approach aligns with the Heat's history of developing talent and could help them avoid the pitfalls of short-term gains. Advertisement Lowe's comments come at a time when the Sacramento Kings are also in flux, with DeRozan potentially on the move. The Heat's interest in younger players like Kuminga could reshape their roster, focusing on future competitiveness rather than immediate impact. Kuminga, coming off a season in which he averaged 15.3 points per game across 47 contests, has shown he possesses the offensive versatility that the Heat are desperately in need of. As the offseason unfolds, Lowe's insights suggest a clear path for the Heat: prioritize youth and potential over experience. Related: Bill Simmons Praises Heat For NBA Draft Pick, Signals Big Push at Jonathan Kuminga This Summer This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bam Adebayo Fires Up Panthers Crowd Ahead of Stanley Cup Final
Bam Adebayo Fires Up Panthers Crowd Ahead of Stanley Cup Final originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo made an appearance at Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, giving the Florida Panthers crowd an early boost. Wearing a custom Panthers jersey with his name and number 13, Adebayo served as the team's guest drummer and energized the packed arena before puck drop. Advertisement The moment was captured in a short clip shared by the Florida Panthers on social media. Adebayo walked out onto the platform, pounded the drum, and received a loud ovation from the home crowd. The Miami Heat followed up with their own post, writing, 'Let's gooooo! #TimeToHunt' in support of the Panthers' playoff run. The Heat forward's support for another South Florida franchise highlights the connection between the teams and their fan bases. Adebayo's presence helped kick off an important night for the Panthers, who hosted the Edmonton Oilers for a pivotal game in the series. Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) warms up prior to the game against Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images The event added a local crossover element to the evening. Adebayo's role as guest drummer is typically reserved for local celebrities and figures tied to the sports community. His participation brought extra attention from basketball fans, many of whom are already tuned in to the Stanley Cup Final. Advertisement This was not Adebayo's first time backing a fellow Miami team, but the timing of the appearance stood out. The Panthers are pushing for a title of their own, and having one of the Heat's most recognized players show support was a boost to the atmosphere. 'Adebayo fires up Panthers crowd ahead of Stanley Cup Final' is how the moment is being remembered. It was a simple gesture, but one that brought together fans from two of Miami's biggest franchises. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bam Adebayo Sends 1-Word Message Amid Trade Rumors
Bam Adebayo Sends 1-Word Message Amid Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Bam Adebayo has established himself as one of the best centers in the NBA. Since he is still 27 years old, he could perform even better in the coming years, but Heat fans wouldn't be much thrilled to hear that. It seems more and more likely that Adebayo will leave Miami before the new season begins. Advertisement Over 78 games, the Heat star put up 18.1 points, 9.6 boards, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per night, shooting 48.5% overall and 35.7% from deep. The numbers suggest that Miami will be unwilling to part ways with Adebayo, but rivals keep knocking on the door with trade offers. Reports indicate that the No.13 is open to wearing a new shirt next season, should the right offer come in. © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images As the offseason buzz around Bam Adebayo's future grows louder, the All-Star big man stirred the pot with a cryptic social media post. A simple Instagram post, just a photo of him outside with the caption 'outside', was all it took to send fans and pundits into a frenzy. It might just be an innocent post with no hidden meaning, but the timing only added to the growing speculation about a possible departure from the Heat. Bovada has rolled out odds for Adebayo's next potential destination, and the online sportsbook believes the Lakers are the frontrunners in this race. Advertisement If the betting odds are any indication, the Lakers are out in front at +190. The Grizzlies sit just behind at +260, with the Spurs and Kings at +300 and +375. The Mavericks follow at +475, while the Bulls and Celtics round out the list with longer odds of +1000 and +1600, respectively. Related: Bam Adebayo Breaks Silence On Dangerous Jayson Tatum Foul Related: Bam Adebayo Fires Up Panthers Crowd Ahead of Stanley Cup Final This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Heat Fans Rejoice After Picking Bam Adebayo Backup in NBA Draft
Heat Fans Rejoice After Picking Bam Adebayo Backup in NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Miami Heat fans are buzzing with excitement following the announcement that the team has added Oumar Ballo, a 7'0' center from Indiana, as a potential backup to star Bam Adebayo on top of Kel'el Ware. Advertisement Posted by @HeatvsHaters on X the news broke with Ballo's impressive college stats—13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game—igniting optimism among the Heat faithful. This move signals a strategic shift from the Heat's small-ball legacy, addressing a long-standing need for size in the frontcourt. Ballo's arrival is a breath of fresh air for fans tired of seeing Adebayo play the five spot alone or in unconventional lineups. His collegiate pedigree, including a stint with the Arizona Wildcats under Tommy Lloyd and alongside Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson, showcases his ability to thrive under pressure—a trait that could complement Adebayo's versatility. Indiana's Oumar Ballo, center, jumps in the air to celebrate a victory over Michigan State on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.© Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The 2019 FIBA U19 silver medalist, who averaged 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds, brings international flair and proven rebounding prowess, aligning with the idea that teams with dominant centers boost playoff success significantly when paired with adaptable forwards. Advertisement The undrafted Ballo's signing taps into a growing NBA trend, with experts noting just over two thirds of two-way contract signees earn roster spots within two years. Enhanced by the new CBA rule allowing three two-way slots per team, this acquisition reflects the Heat's willingness to develop raw talent. As training camp nears, Heat Nation eagerly awaits whether Ballo can solidify his role and give Adebayo the reliable backup he deserves. Related: Bam Adebayo Sends 1-Word Message Amid Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Are Favorites To Land Bam Adebayo In Potential Trade Deal With Heat
Lakers Are Favorites To Land Bam Adebayo In Potential Trade Deal With Heat originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Ever since the arrival of Luka Doncic in February, the Lakers have been looking to add size to the team so that they can have a lob threat on the court alongside him. Therefore, they are expected to be interested in trading for former All-Star Bam Adebayo if the Heat decide to trade him this offseason. Advertisement According to the Bovada sportsbook, the Lakers are +190 with the highest odds to land Bam Adebayo if the Heat trades him. Other likely candidates to be in the race are the Grizzlies (+260), Spurs (+300), Kings (+375), Mavericks (+475), Bulls (+1000), and Celtics (+1600). Bam Adebayo has played in eight seasons for the Heat, in which he averaged 15.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 567 regular-season games. He was selected to play in three All-Star games (2020, 2023, and 2024). His size and athleticism could be just the right fit alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James to make the Lakers a potential championship contender next season. Why Heat Could Consider Trading Bam Adebayo Now, the question here is, why would the Heat want to trade their second-best player? Ever since Bam Adebayo became an All-Star in 2020, the Heat have had two trips to the NBA Finals, three first-round exits, and one trip to the conference Finals. And while you may say that he has ensured they reach the Playoffs every season, the Heat may not be content with doing just that every season. Advertisement Tyler Herro took a significant leap in his performance last season, especially since the Jimmy Butler trade. The team was initially built around Butler, and he was the key reason the Heat went to the Finals twice. With Herro now taking the reins in Miami, it may be time for the Heat to evaluate whether Adebayo is worth the max contract extension he recently signed with them. He is expected to earn $37 million in the 2025-26 season, following which his three-year $166 million extension will kick in, and he could demand as high as $60.2 million in the 2028/29 season. Is A Lakers Trade Even Possible? The second fact to consider is the viability of a potential Lakers trade: what could the Lakers offer in return to convince the Heat to let their franchise cornerstone go? Jovan Buha, the Athletic's former writer for the Lakers, recently went on his podcast and discussed the viability of the Lakers potentially trading for Adebayo. Given their limited assets and financial constraints, Buha believes it is very unlikely that the Lakers go ahead with this move. Advertisement "I think he'd be good next to Luka because they're both All-Star, All-NBA guys, and they're both smart and they can make it work," Buha said. "I think Bam is not enough of a lob threat for what the Lakers would want. Defensively, he'd be great because he's a great defender, but I don't know if they could get him. ... From a trade [perspective], I don't really see LA having enough to offer [to Miami]." He even went on to say that the Lakers could offer Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and their 2031 first-round pick. But he was not confident that it would be enough to convince Heat. "Lakers don't have cap space. They're not projected to have that cap space, and projected to have potentially the non-taxpayer MLE," Buha said. "But then they are hard capped with the 1st apron, or they can have the taxpayer MLE, and then they can go up to the 2nd apron." Advertisement "There are some ways to work out the cap stuff to get a little bit of space, but not much, and even then it could potentially come down to LeBron James taking a massive pay cut, which I have been on the record saying I'm skeptical of," Buha concluded. LeBron James will have to take a massive pay cut even to make it feasible for the Lakers to make this trade happen. Therefore, in my opinion, while it may be exciting for sports bettors to bet on the Lakers trading for Bam Adebayo, objectively, it does not seem likely that the Lakers will be able to pull off this move. Related: Alex Caruso Throws Subtle Shade On Lakers' 2020 Ring; Addresses LeBron James' Comparisons With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
