The Miami Heat have solidified an elite two-way frontcourt core with Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
This comes after it was officially confirmed by the breaking news from Jake Fischer and Shams Charania that Wiggins has opted-in to his $30 million player option for this upcoming 2026-27 season— while also extending for a significant discount for the following two years. His re-signing with Miami comes out to a three-year $64 million deal in total.
That figure is roughly $21 million annually averaged out across all three years, and Wiggins will earn nearly $17 million annually in the backend part of those two years.
Essentially, Wiggins and Miami met in the middle of still giving him his money upfront, but taking a significant discount to provide flexibility in the next couple of seasons of this new Antetokounmpo build.
And now that Wiggins is officially back in the fold, this core looks promising— despite more roster spots needing to be filled to round out depth.
The Heat are putting together an elite top-five defensive minded group.
Addressing the team’s shooting needs will remain a priority moving forward, with free agency set to begin on Tuesday evening. A Norman Powell re-signing would have instantly solved that, though his return seems less likely as the days go on.
Following the Wiggins deal, the Heat are left with $12 million of the mid-level that they can utilize along with room to sign two or three players on minimum deals. Powell taking an unexpected discount to accept that $12 million mid-level money is unlikely, according to several reports.
However, Miami is now left with a potential lineup of Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larsson, Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
That just sounds like a matchup nightmare to opposing teams.
Mitchell and Larsson are both gritty, physical defenders in the backcourt. Mitchell especially provides valuable point-of-attack perimeter defense to go along with his improved playmaking and shooting ability (shot 39.5% from 3-point range last season). And then you get to the true core with this frontcourt.
Wiggins, Giannis and Adebayo makes for arguably the best two-way frontcourt in the league.
All three of Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo are capable of providing versatility on both ends of the floor. They can switch onto multiple positions defensively, anchored by Adebayo’s ability of switching 1-5 at any moment.
Wiggins, at 31 years old, submitted a terrific 3 & D caliber campaign for Miami last season. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, one block and one steal per game on 48% shooting overall and 41% from deep. He also proved to be a clutch shot maker and was relied upon to defend the opposing team’s best wing player on a nightly basis.
As mentioned, shooting will remain a priority to address moving forward. But the Heat are going with a defensive identity, which is what they have always been accustomed to.
A Wiggs-Giannis-Bam frontcourt will be as elite as they come defensively.
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Ben Simmons would like to come to Miami.
His face has always been extremely punchable. That being said, I could see a scenario where Spo gets him playing at his best in the last few years. The major concern is the lack of an outside shot. He doesn’t even attempt them.
He’s the poster child for a passive player. If we got him dirt cheap he could be used as a ninth or tenth man until he showed he deserves better.
Agree. If he wants a VIP table at Culture Club just to sit there and sip on ice cold Gatorade, sure.
I have said many times that I would have him play point center. His rebounding, defense, and passing skills could really be valuable. He is not a point guard with that awful shooting.
Townes face is much more punchable…at least that’s what my wife says. La Melo, Dramond and Brooks up there too.
Agree on all of them lol
I can see him as a Point PF off the bench to reduce Giannis’ minutes. He won’t need to score so much, just play defense, rebound and be a playmaker. Works for me.
Well, that’s a very good contract. Now, Heat has 6 proven players and 3-4 , which might or might not contribute something. We need three more players, a starting level point guard and two good veteran rotation players. A least two of them we need before season.
We could sure use that starting point guard.
Gonna be kinda hard to do with what Miami has to offer.