Giannis just made a move that has Heat fans dreaming big again.
Teams have approached the Bucks frequently over the years about the availability of Antetokounmpo as a normal exercise, and are expected to ramp up due diligence during combine week, according to league sources.
“But any conversations surrounding the perennial All-NBA superstar and 2021 NBA champion start primarily with where he believes his long-term future lies, and whether there is a franchise outside of Milwaukee that is sensible for him.”How do the Heat factor in?
Should Antetokounmpo become available, he would vault to the top of Miami’s offseason wishlist.
Pat Riley made it clear that he’s open to adding a star this summer and went so far as to use the word “humble” when describing an ideal fit. Antetokounmpo is one of the top three players in the NBA and has earned a reputation as a hard worker who holds himself and his teammates accountable.
At 30 years old, Antetokounmpo averaged 30+ points per the third straight season while shooting 60% from the field and averaging 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists for the Bucks last season. He’s likely to finish third in MVP voting this season.
Acquiring Antetokounmpo would mark one of the biggest splashes in Heat history, behind only the 2010 arrival of LeBron James, and put Miami on the path back to title contention.
What would it take to get Antetokounmpo?
If the Bucks make Antetokounmpo available, the bidding war will be competitive. The Heat don’t have the assets to beat the best offers from teams like Houston or Oklahoma City, but the big question is whether the Bucks will work with Antetokounmpo to send him to a preferred destination.
There are still no indications of what those destinations might be, although The Ringer’s Howard Beck suggested earlier this month that Miami could be on that list.
The Heat would likely make everything and but Bam Adebayo available in an Antetokounmpo trade package. (Adebayo and Antetokounmpo share an agency, and there could be an understanding that Antetokounmpo would want to play in Miami only if flanked by another multi-time All-Star like Adebayo.)
The Heat have $65 million in expiring contracts and up to three tradeable first-round picks to include in a deal, along with an assortment of 25-and-under players
