Q: Get Jimmy Butler a complementary star to play with, make Bam Adebayo your third option, and problem solved for the next three years. Bam is a solid player, just not a number-two option. – Douglas.
A: Except that is not how the Heat have designed their payroll, so it will take major, major payroll machinations to reformulate such a structure. At $45 million (yes, $45 million) for next season, Jimmy Butler is being paid like a leading man. The problem is that at $32.6 million for next season, Bam Adebayo is being paid like at least a number-two star. And remember, Tyler Herro will be earning $27 million next season. And that’s not even getting to the $29.7 million due Kyle Lowry for 2023-24, in the final season of his three-year deal. So the Heat, at the moment, essentially have a top-four salary hierarchy in place. Yes, trades can change the equation, but it’s not as simple as a “problem solved” snap of the fingers.
Q: This is for you, Vic. – Eli.
A: And, indeed, Heat players wore shirts with Victor Oladipo’s photo on them both when entering and exiting the arena on Monday night. And while the stakes made it about more than winning one for Victor Oladipo in advance of his upcoming knee surgery, he was in teammates’ thoughts. For the Heat, the underdog mentality has long brought out some of the best in the team. That appeared to be the case again on Monday, with Tyler Herro and Victor out.
Q: Still saying Bucks in five? – Morrie.
A: That ship has sailed. And yet, as even Erik Spoelstra warned, be careful not to underestimate the Bucks’ ability to win three consecutive games, particularly with two on their home court. That’s not to say the Heat can’t or won’t close this out. It’s just to say, as was the case when the series began, a formidable challenge still awaits.
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