It's time for the Miami Heat to add a star player who fits next to Bam Adebayo, and there's an urgency to deliver on that need this offseason. Because if they can't, it will bring up some very uncomfortable questions that this front office will have to answer.
Whether the fan base would agree with that assertion or not, the Heat prides itself on being "star hunters." They're a franchise that thrives and finds its success under that philosophy. However, it's been a while since the last time the Heat had a real "star" player next to Bam.
But if the Heat does believe and value Bam as a building block, they must find the right path to landing a star again. And not just any star, but one that would fit next to Bam. One that would help take significant pressure off him on both ends of the floor, and one that will put him in better positions to succeed.
The Heat needs to reward Bam Adebayo with a co-star
It's been almost a full three seasons since the last time the Heat had that.
Even when Jimmy Butler was still on the Heat, it was the 2022-23 season the last time he was at his peak. Coincidentally enough, that was also the last time the Heat made a deep run in the playoffs.
Which should lead you to believe that if the Heat can push the right buttons during the offseason, this team, with Bam as their supporting star, can get back to a place where they're contending for a championship again.
But, especially as the Heat have learned over the last year, that's a lot easier said than done. In just the last 10 months, Miami has whiffed on two star player pursuits. Last summer, they lost their bid to acquire Kevin Durant, who was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets. Then at this year's NBA Trade Deadline, the Heat couldn't close the deal on their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As Miami begins to prepare for the offseason, it does appear as if another star pursuit is on the horizon. It's already been reported that the Heat is going to pursue Giannis again, but I'd argue the Heat needs more plans beyond that.
Heading into the offseason, the Heat needs to diversify its attempts to land a star player next to Bam. He needs it. He deserves it. But Miami can't afford to be Giannis or bust again.
And if the Heat fail to do so this offseason, it could lead the front office to ask some serious questions about Bam's future. Bam will be 29 years old at the start of next season, and it's hard to think that he has many more years of his prime to essentially throw away.
The Heat can't keep burning away Bam's prime years. The longer it takes them to land a leading star next to Bam, the louder these questions are going to get.
For as talented as Bam is, he's most effective when he's a second or third option. And if Miami is ever going to get back to championship form, they're going to need to find another leading star.
The Heat needs it, but so does Bam. It's time for the front office to make it happen, no matter the cost.