The Miami Heat nearly acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the February 5 trade deadline with a package centered on Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, other players, and multiple draft picks, as the Milwaukee Bucks were seriously interested but ultimately declined the deal.

The Milwaukee Bucks came surprisingly close to trading two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat just before the February 5 trade deadline.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, on February 4th, the Bucks came close to accepting the Heat trade offer for Giannis.

“Team sources said the Bucks seriously considered the Heat’s offer, which centered on Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, other players, and multiple draft picks and pick swaps,” Charania reported. Milwaukee contemplated moving forward with Miami on Feb. 4.

“Ownership, however, believed the best move would be to hold on to Antetokounmpo and receive better offers in the summer. The Bucks informed the Heat on the morning of Feb. 5 that they would not accept a deal.”

Miami Heat trade package for Giannis:

Tyler Herro Kel’el Ware Other players Multiple draft picks and swaps

Credit AP – Scanpix

The Heat weren’t the only team pursuing Giannis. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were also among the most serious suitors.

League sources indicated that rival executives believed Bucks GM John Horst was genuinely open to trade discussions, provided the return included elite young talent or a significant number of draft assets.

Looking ahead, Antetokounmpo’s future remains a major storyline. He will be eligible to sign a four-year contract extension worth up to $275 million in October.

If he chooses not to extend, he could become a free agent after the 2026-27 season, or Milwaukee could revisit trade talks before then.

Giannis has spent all 13 seasons of his NBA career with the Bucks.

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