Could the Miami Heat include Bam Adebayo in a trade for Kyrie Irving?
By Wes Goldberg
Should the Miami Heat consider offering rookie center Bam Adebayo to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving?
It was reported on July 24 that Kyrie Irving had requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, but other reports since have indicated that the request came weeks before the leak. Because Cleveland has taken its time and the situation spilled into August, they have more options for potential trade packages.
Due to league rules, most NBA rookies weren’t eligible to be traded when Irving made his request. Now that it’s been more than a month since most rookies signed, players taken in June’s draft can be included in theoretical deals for Irving.
That includes Miami Heat rookie, and No. 14 overall pick, Bam Adebayo, who became eligible to be traded on August 1.
Some reports have indicated that Miami was willing to offer Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow in a trade for Irving. The Heat since came out and refuted that. But if that’s true, it hasn’t been enough for the Cavaliers or they would have made the deal by now. Including Adebayo could put a package over the top.
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Adebayo was impressive in summer league. He showed off unexpected shooting range, nimble footwork and a knack for ball handling and running the floor. He just turned 20 years old, and has a ton of potential. He averaged 16.7 points and 8.4 rebounds in seven summer league games in Orlando and Las Vegas.
The Cavaliers are reportedly seeking a veteran, blue chip player and draft picks for Irving. Miami doesn’t have a draft pick until 2023 that can be traded, but they could include a player who was just drafted. A package of Dragic, Winslow and Adebayo could give Cleveland a replacement point guard and two young players to help support LeBron James.
Is that too much for Miami to give up, though? The Heat are limited on draft picks and the means to acquire young players with such potential, but Irving is still just 25, and has a higher ceiling than anyone on the Heat’s roster. This would be giving up two young players for one young star.
Still, it’s giving up three assets for one, and it still may not be enough to get Irving. If Miami were to offer such a package, they’d have to be sure Irving is the kind of player they can build around, and have a plan to do it.