Bam Adebayo is staying put in South Beach.
The Miami Heat have signed the All-Star big man to a five-year, $163-million max contract extension that can reach a total of $195 million, his agent told ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum each recently signed a similar extension.
Adebayo had a breakout 2019-20 campaign in his first year as the Heat’s starting center, averaging 15.9 points, 10.2 boards, and 5.1 assists.
The new deal means Miami would have to shed some salary in order to free up a max contract slot for next summer’s free agency.
Two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to hit the market in 2021 if he doesn’t sign a super-max extension with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Miami is among the teams that have been linked with the Greek Freak. Antetokounmpo’s agent also represents Adebayo