BOSTON – This is the Sun Sentinel’s live blog of today’s NBA trade deadline’s impact on the Miami Heat. Check back throughout the day until the 3 p.m. deadline for updates.
A Giannis hint?
A curious deal came as Wednesday turned to Thursday, with the Golden State Warriors sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal for much-traveled forward Kristaps Porzingis.
Kuminga was long believed to be the lynchpin of any Warriors play for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Speculation around the Kuminga deal was the Warriors coming to the conclusion that Antetokounmpo would not be dealt during the current trade cycle, and that any move with the 31-year-old All-Star instead would come in the offseason.
Golden State had been linked to various pick-based packages for Antetokounmpo, packages initially believed to be rounded out by the contract of former Heat forward Jimmy Butler, who is now sidelined with a knee injury, and then built around Draymond Green.
On one hand, the Warriors exiting the process could mean one fewer competitor for the Heat. Or it could mean the league turning elsewhere ahead of the deadline, now of the thought of no imminent Antetokounmpo movement.
The Heat have two first-round picks to offer in a potential pitch for Antetokounmpo, in 2030 and ’32, as well as youthful capital, including second-year center Kel’el Ware. Among potential Heat salary matches in such a deal could be the contracts of Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier and Andrew Wiggins.
While Rozier is on paid league leave, the belief in the NBA would allow the Heat to utilize Rozier’s $26.6 million 2025-26 salary in a deal as a salary-cap mechanism.
According to a ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, “This marks the unofficial end of the Warriors’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, team sources said. The Warriors made several offers over the past week, but came away with the impression over the past 24 hours that the Milwaukee Bucks won’t be moving Antetokounmpo at the deadline and pivoted to other plans, sources said.”
The Heat are practicing today at Kaseya Center, with their team flight for Friday night’s game against the Boston Celtics not scheduled until after the passing of the deadline.
Deals so far (Heat impact)
Wizards acquire Anthony Davis from Mavericks: A Heat division rival suddenly looks like it no longer is playing purely for the future. Heat at Wizards on Sunday.
Hornets acquire Coby White from Bulls: Another Heat division rival steps up its game, while the Bulls might fade from Heat play-in rival.
Celtics acquire Nikola Vucevic from Bulls for Anfernee Simons: A prime Heat East rival gets stronger, but at least no Simons to torment when Heat play Friday in Boston.
Jaren Jackson Jr. acquired by Jazz from Grizzlies: So does this open the door for a Memphis deal of Ja Morant, who has been linked to the Heat?
76ers trade Jared McCain to Thunder: Philadelphia, still among the teams keeping the Heat in the play-in bracket, gains more cap flexibility.
Knicks dump Guerschon Yabusele to Bulls: Another East rivals lessens its cap burden going forward.
Cavaliers acquire James Harden from Clippers: So much for Heat having an opening to catch Cavaliers in fight for play-in freedom.
Lonzo Ball acquired, waived by Jazz: The buyout market should be robust for teams such as the Heat.
(This report will be updated.)