Perhaps the Miami Heat’s biggest excuse for slow movement post-Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could be putting all effort and resources into bringing the Greek superstar to South Beach.
The Heat still has to bring in pieces to help the core of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. But any chances of that happening are limited. The Heat is in a tight spot in terms of flexibility but could still bring in an extra shooting piece to help.
In a proposed trade, the Heat land Duncan Robinson from the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons in turn get Nikola Jovic and second round picks in 2027 and 2031.
Robinson would be making a return to the Heat, where he had spent his entire career before last season.
Miami Heat Trade Idea Adds 3-Point Shooting Around Giannis Antetokounmpo
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on July 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Robinson would earn roughly $16 million for the 2026-27 season, which is almost the same amount as for Jovic. It makes a simple swap deal the easiest path in actualizing this trade.
Miami had lost significant flexibility bringing in Antetokounmpo and, in that quest, also lost decent backcourt options like Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Since then, the front office has looked at adding shooting to balance the frontcourt core.
Robinson is not the biggest name per se, but in terms of shooting options he’s among the league’s best. As a bonus, the 32-year-old spent his first seven seasons in Miami before moving to Detroit at the start of last season.
The Heat had hoped to keep Jovic long-term but would be freeing room for the return of a familiar face. The franchise did bring in Tim Hardaway Jr., who is another shooting option, and together with Robinson, the potential is enticing enough to want to make a trade.
This proposed deal avoids any complications involved in a multi-team trade as the Pistons would also be able to take on Jovic’s deal while gaining a young piece. The Heat would have to add extra draft assets due to getting the more seasoned star.
The Pistons could be open to a move for Robinson as they target more flexibility as shown by their offseason moves so far.
Duncan Robinson’s Upside as a Specialist Shooter
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 11: Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics exchange words on the court during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on February 11, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Robinson shot 41 percent from 3 in the 2025-26 season. He attempted seven shots per game, which is around the norm for standard shooters around the league. He is not a backup scoring option but rather a floor spacer.
Robinson is one of the better off-screen shooters in the league, and his impact for the Pistons contributed to their impressive 60-win season. He played and started 77 games for Detroit, earning an immediate starting role after making the switch from Miami.
Antetokounmpo has never been a player that demands too much in terms of elite players around him. He can make something happen in Miami even with stars like Robinson around him.
The Heat already have Andrew Wiggins holding the wings. A lineup of Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Wiggins, Robinson and Hardaway Jr. would be considered a strong lineup on any given night. There is the frontcourt dominance, championship-pedigree wing presence and presence of decent outside shooting as well.
Miami Heat Trade Pitch Gives Giannis a 41% 3-Point Sniper in New 2-Team Deal