New NBA Rumors on Bam Adebayo Drawing 'Resentment' From Former Heat Players Over Being 'Chosen One'

There has been a "level of resentment" among multiple former Miami Heat players regarding Bam Adebayo's status within the organization, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Per Jackson, players resented that Adebayo was the "chosen one" in Miami and was never involved in trade rumors while also signing a hefty extension with the team.

The Heat handed him a three-year, $166 million contract extension in June 2024.

Miami also paired Adebayo with Giannis Antetokounmpo following a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks on June 22.

The Heat sent Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and one second-round pick to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo.

Prior to the deal, Jackson reported that Adebayo was the only player Miami wasn't willing to include in trade discussions.

The 28-year-old has spent all nine seasons of his career with the Heat since he was selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

Adebayo has earned six All-Defensive selections and three All-Star nods throughout his tenure in Miami, helping the team make two NBA Finals appearances.

During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field.

Adebayo also extended his shooting range, connecting on 127 three-pointers after hitting 102 triples across his first eight seasons combined.

He'll now share the spotlight with Antetokounmpo as they look to help the Heat climb further up the Eastern Conference standings following a 43-39 finish.