The Larry O’Brien trophy has been elusive goal for the Miami Heat since Dwyane Wade and LeBron James left. Coach Erik Spoelstra did get close twice with Jimmy Butler but even those years ended in heartbreak. Now, they have a new core of All-Stars in Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro. Will executive Pat Riley retain them in their pursuit of an NBA championship?
Heat make clear statements on Adebayo, Powell, and Herro’s futures
Pat Riley has decided to stay with the Heat. This means that all decisions when it comes to player contracts and re-signing will run through him. Despite the 10th seed finish in the Eastern Conference, the Heat executive posits that they will want to keep this core of Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro. A lot of the reasons why stood on wanting to win another championship because Adebayo deserved more, via James Jackson of The Athletic.
“I don’t blame Bam for being frustrated with what’s happened. He’s had some great years. Our core group of Bam, Tyler and Norm — we got that 14-7 start — but we couldn’t have the continuity we needed. I’ve had a few talks with Bam. He knows everyone in basketball operations is going to try to help him. … He deserves to win more,” Riley declared.
Adebayo is currently under a $166 million maximum contract that extends until the end of the 2027 season. Herro will also be signed until 2027 and his contract is valued at $120 million. Powell, on the other hand, cannot say the same. His five-year $90 million contract is expiring this offseason which either means that Riley and the Heat have to sign him or he will walk to another team through unrestricted free agency.
“I’m not going to retire. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to step aside. I want another parade down Biscayne Boulevard,” the Heat executive declared.
Making a championship-winning squad is going to be difficult in just one offseason. The Boston Celtics did it in 2023 and they got the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2024, so why can’t Riley? The first step will be deciding whether or not they want to pay Powell more because of his All-Star appearance. NBA Free Agency concerns will come in second.
Can the Heat actually do it?