“Should the Heat be shopping Adebayo or Herro? No,” Jackson writes. “But if a perennial All-Star becomes available, don’t allow loyalty or fondness for either player, or love of stability, or its appreciation for Adebayo as the standard-bearer of ‘Heat culture,’ to torpedo the right basketball move.”
Jackson’s words resonate amid growing frustration among fans who’ve watched the Heat fall short of championship contention despite consistent playoff appearances. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star, has long been praised for his leadership, elite defense, and embodiment of “Heat culture.” Herro, the 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, brings scoring and playmaking but has also faced criticism for his durability and inconsistency.
Jackson’s point is not to diminish their contributions but to caution against overvaluing internal culture at the expense of seizing game-changing opportunities. In the ever-competitive Eastern Conference, where teams like Boston and Milwaukee have embraced bold roster moves, Miami can’t afford to let sentimentality block progress.
Pat Riley and the front office have always walked a tightrope between loyalty and ambition. Jackson’s message serves as a timely reminder: if a top-tier talent becomes available, even franchise cornerstones must be considered tradeable. It’s not about disrespect — it’s about winning at the highest level.
As the offseason approaches, expect the Heat to be mentioned in every big-name trade rumor. And if Jackson is right, fans should be prepared for some tough decisions that could reshape the team’s future.
