It was announced last week that Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat had agreed to a three-year, $166 million extension that will keep him with the franchise through the 2028-29 season.
That is a massive contract for the three-time All-Star and Heat general manager Andy Elisburg thinks it makes perfect sense.
Sitting down with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Elisburg spoke about the contract and said that Adebayo is “the kind of person and player that you want to build around as being the foundation of your team.”
He noted that the team has been impressed by Adebayo ever since they signed him back in 2017 and wishes to keep working with him far into the future.
“He’s the kind of person and player that you want to build around as being the foundation of your team”
Heat GM Andy Elisburg on the Heat re-signing Bam Adebayo to a long-term extension this offseason to @TermineRadio and @TomCrean at #NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/MhtXjSuvRh
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 15, 2024
Elisburg noted that Adebayo is still a young man, just 26 years old.
During his seven years in the league, he has made it into multiple playoffs and has also reached the Finals several times.
He has a great deal of postseason experience even though he hasn’t even turned 30.
Elisburg said that alone is worth a lot but Adebayo also has a natural talent that cannot be taught and he works very well with others.
There have been many questions about the Heat lately, especially regarding Jimmy Butler.
It’s not entirely clear if Butler will be with the team much longer and if he leaves, the Heat will need a leader to push them forward.
Elisburg thinks that Adebayo could be that leader.
As mentioned, he is a three-time All-Star and also a five-time All-Defensive Team selection.
He just made the All-Defensive First Team in 2023-24 for the first time in his career, proving that he is only getting better.
He was also in contention for Defensive Player of the Year and finished in third place.
Some fans may question the massive amount of money that he earned, but the Heat obviously believe in Adebayo and all he brings to the team.
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