Should the Miami Heat pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s reportedly mulling future with Bucks? (Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger/AP Photo)
The NBA is the league that never sleeps.
You could argue that there’s never a time in the calendar year when there is a disgruntled star in some form of fashion. The latest? An atom bomb — or an “Antetokounmpo” bomb, depending on how you view it.
On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that, after a shaky 9-13 start, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agency are discussing his future with the organization.
Just in: Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/NfrpL2Ffvr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2025
The two-time MVP has dropped hints of wanting a possible breakup in the past, but this is the closest he’s come to formally requesting a trade. This also comes on the heels of Antetokounmpo, 30, supposedly wiping all Bucks content from his social media accounts.
All of us know Pat Riley’s affinity with superstar talent. At 14-7, is this an opportunity worth a Heat pursuit? Let’s examine!
Should the Miami Heat pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Miami Heat enter Wednesday with sole possession of the No. 3 in a crowded East, three games back of the Detroit Pistons and a 0.5 game ahead of the New York Knicks. They have the NBA’s No. 11 offense, No. 4 defense and No. 6 NET Rating.
Miami has drastically outperformed many people’s expectations — including my own. They did so without Tyler Herro for 17 games, in addition to many absences from Norman Powell and Tyler Herro.
The majority of people’s eyes point to the New York Knicks in regard to an Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Rightfully so, too.
It was reported in early October that the nine-time All-Star had interest in going there despite no deal materializing. They are in the biggest market, are one of the biggest sports franchises in North American sports and, most importantly, they’re a good team.
However, that shouldn’t quiet the Heat from at least making the call, even the Bucks laugh (in sadness and despair) about the thought of trading him, let alone to an East rival.
“Over the offseason, Antetokounmpo explored external options and was open to playing for one team outside of Milwaukee — the New York Knicks — as a potential trade home,” Charania’s report Wednesday read. “Sources described it as an exclusive negotiating window for the Knicks over a multiweek period in August, but that will not be the case moving forward.
“Multiple other teams would be expected to emerge as suitors for the nine-time All-Star if trades are explored.”
When healthy, he’s a top-3 player in the sport, at worst. The soon-to-be 31-year-old is having another MVP-like start to his season, averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 66.8 percent true shooting, which would be a career high.
Plenty of teams in the East — including the Heat — are gunning for it this season. There are currently nine East squads at least two games above .500, with a handful five games or more above. It’s quite competitive — and up for grabs.
What would it take for Heat?
This could be expanded on, but in layman’s terms: Everything.
Yes, everything, even though it’s not realistic for the Heat to land Antetokounmpo without including Bam Adebayo.
Miami is currently $1.6 million below the luxury tax threshold and $7.2 million below the first apron, where it’s currently hard-capped, according to Spotrac. It also has just two tradable first-round picks (2030, 2032) at its disposal; the Knicks don’t have any of their own (they do have a top-8 protected pick from Washington in 2026). Advantage: Heat!
What would you be willing to give up for Giannis Antetokounmpo?! Let us know in the comments!
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