Team locks up cornerstone Adebayo with 5-year extension

Bam Adebayo signed on the $163 million dotted line Saturday, a line that could grow to $196 million.

It was a deal Miami Heat President Pat Riley said represents a step forward for the team with the All-Star center.

“One of the most important things a franchise can do is to make sure that your best, youngest, cornerstone players sign on the dotted line,” Riley said in a statement.

“Getting Bam his extension was a no-brainer for us because we know he will be around for years to come. That’s great for the Heat, great for the fans and great for Bam.”

There had been consternation by some with the timing of Adebayo’s agreement, which could limit the Heat’s salary-cap flexibility in free agency next summer. But the upshot is the Heat now have Adebayo under team control for the next six seasons.

Adebayo, who is under contract for $5.1 million this season on the final year of the rookie-scale contract he signed as the No. 14 pick out of Kentucky in 2017, this past week agreed to the fiveyear, $163 million extension that kicks in starting in 2021-22. That deal has an escalator that could make it worth $196 million if he makes All-NBA or is named Defensive Player of the Year or Most Valuable Player this season.

Adebayo, 23, made clear this past week that his priority was to remain with the Heat.

“This is just a great place for me,” he said at his annual holiday giveaway in Liberty City

The Heat on Saturday also announced the formal signing of forward Udonis Haslem.

“It’s great to have UD back,” Riley said. “His role is so critical for our team. Besides being able to still play, UD keeps everyone together in the locker room and on the road, teaching and mentoring.

“I think it’s a role he really loves and we are glad he decided to come back for another season.”

Haslem, who will be returning for an 18th NBA season, all with the Heat, signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract, which will count $1.6 million against the team’s salary cap. His deal allows him to veto a trade.

“I am the Miami Heat; the Miami Heat is me,” Haslem, 40, said during a promotional appearance a week ago in Coconut Creek.

“These guys still value what I bring to the table.”

The former University of Florida forward, who went undrafted in 2002, appeared in four games for a total of 44 minutes last season. He did not see action in the Heat’s playoff run to the NBA Finals.

MIAMI HEAT COURTESY Heat center Bam Adebayo formally put pen to paper Saturday on his extension with the team. Teammate Udonis Haslem also put his name on the dotted line.