Intel from failed Giannis pursuit discovers Heat did all they could

As disappointing as it was, the Miami Heat reportedly did all they could in their attempt to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. And another try could be on the horizon.
(Mandatory credit: Getty Images)

After it has been proven all season long that change is needed, the Miami Heat came up empty handed in hopes of making a franchise-altering splash this past trade deadline.

Miami put all their eggs in one basket to pursue Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. And they were at the finish line of the sweepstakes until the Bucks shut down trade talks just hours before the 3:00 PM deadline struck— leaving the Heat with zero backup plan. The teams that were most cited as a potential landing spot for the former two-time MVP included the Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Instead, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks had a change of heart at the most inopportune time.

Giannis has been playing this game of giving soft trade requests for years now. He hints to the media publicly on the idea of change, but never forces the Bucks’ hand. Milwaukee, of course, would never be inclined to trade away one of the best players in the world if they don’t have to. Antetokounmpo’s reluctance to stand firm on demanding out added with the Bucks desire to attempt at re-tooling around him led to him staying put past this deadline.

But that left a Heat fanbase disappointed and frustrated. An organization that is on route to be a play-in team for the fourth straight year has seemingly been stuck in mediocrity. Giannis was the pipe dream that could have brought new life. However, Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson recently revealed the details of this latest failed front office superstar pursuit.

Insight to the Giannis/Heat trade talks, per Barry Jackson:

Bucks never made a counter-offer.

Miami was willing to work with the Bucks for anything they requested and didn’t say “no” at any point in negotiations.

The Heat DID find a way to acquire a third first-round pick as a sweetener before Bucks shut down trade talks.

Bucks considered Miami’s offer, but the Bucks believe they can convince him to stay in Milwaukee this summer.

In case you were wondering, Miami’s initial offer reportedly included Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Terry Rozier and another young player or more. There was also draft capital involved of two first-round draft picks and up to three additional pick swaps.

According to Jackson, that was the package that was “internally discussed.” He added in recent days that Miami thought the Bucks were “genuine” about their interest in doing business up until it was announced that they decided to keep Antetokounmpo past the deadline.

The Miami Heat will reportedly attempt to go after Giannis again this summer.

Additionally, Jackson has stated that the Heat front office is aware of the angry fanbase after they were the only team in the entire Eastern Conference to make zero moves at the trade deadline. And Pat Riley and staff aren’t ready to throw in the towel on their Antetokounmpo dream just yet, either.

“Nevertheless, the Heat hears the angry fans and understands. That’s why it desperately tried to acquire Giannis before last weeks trade deadline, secretly crafting a way to create a 3rd 1st round pick to convince the Bucks to make the deal. It’s why another attempt at Antetokounmpo will be made this summer, according to a source.”

(via Barry Jackson)

If this overdue Bucks-Giannis divorce finally comes to fruition in the coming months, Miami’s war chest would improve to four first-round picks to offer rather than the two they only had at the deadline. But taking this into the offseason runs the risk of teams like the San Antonio Spurs or even OKC Thunder— who have a plethora of young players and picks— getting into the mix if their 2025-26 season ends sour.

Giannis ultimately demanding Miami, if it ever gets to that point, would help. Even so, Heat fans know from the 2023 Damian Lillard saga that also doesn’t guarantee anything.

Intel from failed Giannis pursuit discovers Heat did all they could

Tags: