Hornets urged to acquire $160 million record-breaking Heat big to pair with LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets are clearly building towards contention with their young core of LaMelo Ball, Rookie of the Year finalist Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller leading the way.

With momentum on their side heading into the 2026-27 season, it's possible that a big-time offseason swing to land another established star via trade could be in the works.

In fact, The Ringer's Bill Simmons recently suggested that the Hornets should look to reconnect with the Miami Heat after their instant classic Play-In Tournament battle, this time to discuss a blockbuster deal involving 5-time All-Defensive Team selection and 83-point scorer, Bam Adebayo.

"Is Bam Adebayo on the table?" Simmons asked fellow podcaster Zach Lowe on a Monday morning episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast.

"I could offer you (Miles) Bridges and Grant Williams. I could give you your 2027 first back. Now you have it unprotected and you have all your firsts again."

"I could give you my 14th pick, I could give you that Dallas (2027 first-round) pick. I could give you a 2029 first. Here's everything I've got, give us Bam!"

Though Adebayo has become a fixture for the Heat as a home-grown 3-time All-Star and one of the best two-way centers in the association, something has to give.

Miami has finished as a Play-In Tournament team each of the past four seasons, and a massive shake-up may be in order. The Hornets sit in an advantageous position if the Heat decide to initiate a rebuild this summer.

In 73 appearances for the Heat in 2025-26, Adebayo averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks. On Mar. 10, Adebayo shocked the sports world when he posted an unfathomable 83 points in a win over the Washington Wizards, notching the NBA's second-highest scoring game ever.

By prospectively pairing Adebayo with Ball, the Hornets would instantly gain a devastating 1-2 punch on the offensive end, along with plenty of newfound versatility defensively.

A North Carolina native, the 6-foot-9 big man's hypothetical homecoming could propel the Hornets further towards a guaranteed postseason spot next season if a deal were to be agreed upon.

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