NBA Trade Rumors: Are the Miami Heat willing to trade Bam Adebayo now?
While the Miami Heat has enjoyed some unlikely success in the NBA Playoffs, much of that has been on the shoulders of Jimmy Butler who is absolutely playing out of his mind right now. One player that has been inconsistent to the point of frustration has been Bam Adebayo.
After another great regular season in which he averaged 20 points and nine rebounds on 54 percent shooting from the field, Bam is averaging just 17 points and eight rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field in the playoffs. He’s disappointed to the point where the team may be changing their tune on his status as a foundational piece for the franchise.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, trading Bam this offseason is not something that can be “ruled out.” Why is this news? Well, it’s a stark difference from what we’ve been hearing from the Heat regarding Bam recently.
Would the Miami Heat trade Bam Adebayo?
Since last summer (and perhaps before), Bam was considered an untouchable. If was reported that when the Heat and Brooklyn Nets discussed a possible trade for Kevin Durant, Bam was a player the Heat was not willing to dangler in trade talks.
He is one of the centerpieces of the franchise and was thought to be a non-starter when it comes to trade options. However, considering this report, you can’t help but wonder if that has changed.
And if it has, it could make for an interesting offseason. If Bam is suddenly a player that the Heat would be willing to move, it opens up so many more possibilities for the Heat when it comes to the trade market.
The Heat was hoping that Bam could continue to develop into the superstar that they have been looking for next to Jimmy Butler. And while Bam has certainly shown some signs of that possibility, he has never been able to do so at a consistent level. And most recently, he’s struggled in the postseason when the team has needed him most.
You’d have to imagine if the Heat are going to continue to make this magical run in the playoffs, they’re going to need Bam to step up in a big way. Especially if Jimmy isn’t 100 percent for the remainder of this series. And after he missed Game 2 with an ankle injury, there’s a chance that ends up being the case.
There are many questions that the Heat will have to answer this offseason, and it’s looking more ane more like Bam could be one of them.