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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat have emerged as a popular choice for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he gets traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this season. Pat Riley’s desire for superstars has seen Miami involved in many free agent and trade rumors over recent memory. Jimmy Butler is the only player they’ve been able to acquire over the past decade in that context.
Antetokounmpo hitting the trade market means that the Heat will have to deliver their best possible offer. NBA insider Zach Lowe confirmed that the Miami offer would have to involve one promising young player.
“The Heat can trade two first round picks as of now because of the pick they owe Charlotte. That’s all they can trade. They can trade some swaps. The negotiations begin and end with Kel’el Ware. If Ware is not in the deal, then we’re just not talking. Because Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, that’s cool. Those guys are fine. They’re not keeping me relevant.”
Young star Kel’el Ware is the main trade asset that Milwaukee would need to even consider a Heat trade package. The other assets are role players and draft picks that don’t provide much hope for the long-term Bucks future.
Miami Must Trade More For Antetokounmpo
Ware is just the top young asset that Miami would have to offer along with multiple draft picks. The bare minimum requires more players added for salary cap purposes since Antetokounmpo is making huge money. Lowe went further in depth over the entire trade package that the Heat would realistically offer the Bucks.
“Ware is making a huge leap,” Lowe shared on his podcast. “He looks like a future potential All-Star player. I don’t think that’s an exaggeration based on how well he’s played lately.The fit with Bam is TBD. And, you know, if you threw Ware, Herro, Rozier, two first round picks, a bunch of swaps. “Other teams can beat that.”
More discussion about the trade saw Lowe revealing that Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier would likely be the players to add salary to create a fair trade. Milwaukee would only be able to acquire two first round picks from the Heat due to the latter’s limitations. Any other future draft compensation would have to come in the form of pick swaps.
Is Miami Realistic For Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Heat have become a top franchise over the past two decades with three NBA Championships and seven NBA Finals appearances. Antetokounmpo reportedly wants to join a bigger market and play for a team that will contend every year. Miami certainly could field a solid lineup together after the trade.
Lowe does mention that other teams could offer better packages. However, teams like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are strapped in what they can offer due to previous moves to limit the obvious threats usually adding star power.
The San Antonio Spurs or another relatively young team would have to come in and offer some strong pieces. Miami has a decent chance since they have one young player that Milwaukee could build around. Unfortunately, the market is currently unknown and one offer with enough picks and young talents would pass them.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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