Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Dwyane Wade Sounds Alarm on Miami Heat After Jimmy Butler's Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 4:03 PM ET

The 2024-25 NBA season for the Miami Heat has been one littered with changes and challenges.

Between six-time All-Star and face of the franchise Jimmy Butler getting traded to the Golden State Warriors, and the team going on a 10-game losing streak back in March (their longest since the 2007-08 season), this is no longer the Miami Heat of old.

Something that Heat legend Dwyane Wade highlighted in the latest episode of his "WY Network with Dwyane Wade" podcast.

Never one to mince words, Wade has now sounded a clear alarm after the departure of Jimmy Butler and the state of the team.

In the "NBA Postseason Preview" podcast episode, he detailed an emotional conversation he had with Bam Adebayo amid the critical 10-game losing streak.

"My conversation with Bam was not letting go of the rope," Wade said. "And I think Bam emerged as a leader. Bam is now the leader of the Miami Heat."

After leading the Heat to multiple deep playoff runs and even two NBA Finals appearances, Butler's departure not only stripped Miami of his fierce scoring and lockdown defense but also of the edge he brought as one of the most clutch players in the NBA.

Out of this transition phase emerged Bam Adebayo, as noted by Wade, who proclaimed Bam as the new leader, sending the message "I'm not going to allow my guys to quit on this season."

Known for his relentless energy and propensity for double-doubles, Bam has been metamorphosing from an elite defender into a vocal leader the team needs to usher in this new era of Heat basketball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: