Bam Adebayo could leave the Heat: “He won’t finish the season in Miami”
Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat – is their story nearing its end? According to Kendrick Perkins, the All-Star big man could leave South Beach before the season is over
Perkins is convinced: Bam Adebayo won’t finish the year wearing a Miami Heat jersey. The former NBA center, now an ESPN analyst, stated that the franchise is set to part ways with its All-Star by year’s end, believing that the team’s cycle in South Beach has come to a close.
Bam Adebayo will no longer be a Miami Heat player by the end of this season. I think the time has come. Miami isn’t a playoff team anymore, and the roster just isn’t good enough. Bam deserves to play for a contender
Kendrick Perkins
Drafted in 2017, Adebayo led the Heat to two NBA Finals and has long been the defensive anchor of Erik Spoelstra’s squad. But after Jimmy Butler’s departure and a disappointing 37–45 record that left Miami tenth in the East, the future looks more uncertain than ever. The first-round loss to Cleveland exposed the flaws of a tired roster lacking both depth and identity.
Despite averaging 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 48% shooting, Adebayo couldn’t stop the team’s downward trend. And with Pat Riley reportedly eyeing 2027 as the horizon for a rebuild, Miami’s patience may be running thin.
The idea of a trade is no longer taboo. Trading Adebayo would mean losing the team’s most reliable player – but it could also open the door to a much-needed reset.
Among potential destinations, Golden State Warriors stands out: the Warriors could offer a package centered around Jonathan Kuminga and other assets, filling their hole at center while giving Bam the chance to compete for a title again. Another intriguing option could be the Los Angeles Lakers, where a potential swap involving Austin Reaves might create a dream big three alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Miami has proven before that it can bounce back quickly – and with Pat Riley in charge, there’s still reason for optimism. Trading Bam would mark the end of an important chapter, but it might also signal the beginning of a new one.