Former NBA Champ Links Specific Superstar to the Miami Heat to Pair with Adebayo

The Miami Heat floundered badly this season. Finishing with the 10th seed in the East, and being ousted in the Play-In.

And while Pat Riley likes to insist that Bam Adebayo is his franchise guy, it's apparent that the Heat need another superstar to team with him to make them a legitimate contender once again.

Former NBA champion, now ESPN mouthpiece, Kendrick Perkins, says he knows exactly who the Heat should be pairing Bam up with:

What NBA player should the Heat look to pair with Bam Adebayo? @KendrickPerkins gives his opinion 👀 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BT5tndrMxy
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 28, 2026

"We keep hearing about them going big fish hunting, but they just keep getting sea bass. They tried to trade for Kevin Durant, but he didn't want to go to Miami. And Lillard.

"Since Pat Riley came out and said that he's not trading Bam Adebayo, okay, cool. Now you gotta ask yourself, 'Is Bam a No. 1 option to take you to the promised land?' The answer is no. That's not taking anything away from Bam, but he's not a No. 1.

"I'm gonna tell you who is the No. 1 (who) would fit perfect (alongside) Bam: It's Kawhi Leonard... Kawhi complements Bam better than Giannis (Antetokounmpo) does... When you do the big wing pairing, they just complement each other."

Perkins also adds that the Heat's medical staff (always an important factor where Leonard is concerned) is one of the best in the business.

Kawhi is one of the biggest names out there on the rumor mill as we approach the offseason. We'll have to see if the Heat make a move to bring the two-time Finals MVP to South Beach.