For the Miami Heat, the Bam Adebayo era is already here

From AJ on X…

The Jimmy era is coming to an end soon. Will Miami’s next era be Bam’s? And if so, what timeline would you give that era? If not, what direction do you think Miami would take after Jimmy?

I would say we have already entered the Bam Adebayo era.

Let me start by saying that utilization rate isn’t everything, but it’s certainly an important piece and a useful starting point. Here’s a graph showing how Bam and Jimmy’s utilization rate has changed over the past five years.

Two years ago, Adebayo passed Butler in usage, and the gap is widening. Now, that’s partly due to Butler’s lax approach in the regular season, which has thrust Adebayo and Tyler Herro into more usage roles, but Bam’s increased responsibilities are also reflected in the offense.

Early in the Butler era, Adebayo functioned primarily as a dribble-and-pass vehicle at the top of the arc. In recent years, 13 has ventured closer to the basket and set up shop near the free-throw line. Most of his shots come from mid-range, the home of stars.

Meanwhile, Butler has faded into the background. The offense is built less around him and benefits more from his occasional appearances. Bam, that’s Jerry. Jimmy, that’s Kramer.

The Heat would like Butler to play a leading role more often, and that could happen if he’s more motivated and involved this regular season. But even that would happen in what could be a contract year, and Butler’s future in Miami is uncertain after failing to secure a max contract extension this summer.

Meanwhile, Adebayo and the Heat quickly agreed to a new deal. Adebayo signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension that keeps him under contract through 2029. Butler can become a free agent as early as next summer. Currently, Adebayo is the only Heat player whose contract extends beyond 2028.

As for the timeline, Adebayo is 27 years old. He’s in great shape and should stay that way into his 30s. He’s transitioned from a dribbler and pass-and-go player to an offensive center, showing more one-on-one ability and experimenting with his 3-point shot, all while playing DPOY-caliber defense.

His title window should be open for another five years, and the Heat are ready for it. The Heat could have a salary cap hit by 2026. Adebayo will be 29 then, the same age Dwyane Wade was when LeBron James signed with the Heat in 2010.

Potential free agents in 2026 include his Team USA teammates Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant. All will be well into their 30s by then. Other players closer to Bam’s timeline include Luka Doncic, Trae Young and De’Aaron Fox.

If Butler leaves the Heat, the organization will do what it always has and try to add more star talent. Adebayo is best when paired with a No. 1 offensive option that allows him to do everything he does at an elite level.

Finding that player will be tough, but many stars value Bam for what he does and how he can amplify the game’s top scorers. As the face of the Heat, he may have already made those connections around the league.