NBA free agency: Heat's plan to extend Adebayo contract could mean end of Giannis pursuit

The Miami Heat, even before their spectacular playoffs run, were linked to reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Giannis himself has denied the rumours linking him with a move away from Milwaukee, reports spoke about the two-time NBA MVP signing with the Heat if Milwaukee does not make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. While the Bucks failed to make it to the Finals, being ousted by the Heat, Miami is now unlikely to make a move for the 2019-20 MVP. 

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Bam Adebayo contract will max out Miami Heat salary cap

As per reports, the Heat and Bam Adebayo have agreed upon a five-year contract extension which is worth around $163 million. The contract will probably be signed after a physical from Adebayo, which is scheduled for this week. As per the Associated Press, this will be the richest Heat contract in terms of the total value. 

Adebayo will be making $5.1 million for the 2020-21 season, which is the final year of his rookie contract. After that, the extension will earn him around $28.1 million annually. Reports add that if he makes the All-NBA team, his annual salary will increase. 

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Bam Adebayo extension to spell an end to the Heat's Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit

While an Adebayo contract could help the Heat in the long run, it does put an end to their reported pursuit for Giannis. An extension will not allow their team to have salary-cap flexibility, which will be needed for a massive Giannis contract. The Greek Freak – who is up for a supermax extension – could sign a $500 million or more contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

While Bucks fans were more than on board with the Adebayo extension, certain Heat fans wanted a Giannis trade. "Good. Takes a team out of Giannis running," one user wrote. Another demanded to know what they would do about Giannis, who could eventually lead them to another NBA title. 

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Fans react to the Adebayo contract meaning the end of their Giannis pursuit

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(Image credits: AP)