The Miami Heat will be looking to add a superstar player this offseason. It’s very clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be their top target. He is the top target for everyone else this summer, as well. The Bucks will be fielding calls from many different teams.
Miami is always in search of adding a superstar player. Pat Riley is not afraid to add players that he thinks can help them win a championship. Antetokounmpo is still a top-five player in the NBA when he is healthy. Of course, health has been an issue for him in the last few years.
This summer, the Heat will have to bid against several other teams in order to trade for him. They are actually expected to have the best trade package available for Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Miami Heat Expected to Have Best Trade Package for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Bleacher Report, the Heat actually has the best possible trade package. They propose a trade package that they believe is the best that any team can offer the Bucks.
The Miami Heat receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, $4.7 million trade exception
The Milwaukee Bucks receive: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jović, 2026 first-rounder, 2030 first-rounder, 2032 protected first-rounder, 2033 second-rounder, $4.6 million trade exception
That trade package is ranked ahead of what the Warriors, Cavaliers, and others can offer Milwaukee. That package would give the Bucks a good combination of young players and future draft picks that they can use to help rebuild in the post-Antetokounmpo era.
Had Miami gotten some lottery luck, perhaps the package would be even stronger. Even so, the Heat feel comfortable with what they will be able to offer Milwaukee. The Heat better come with their best offer right away, because other teams will be loaded with great offers.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Miami Wants to Get a Deal Done Before the Draft
The Heat want to get a deal done for Antetokounmpo before the draft. Part of their package includes the 13th pick in this year’s draft, so they want to part with that asset as soon as possible. Other teams trying to trade for him will feel the same way, as well.
Now that the draft lottery is over, teams will start to call Milwaukee about trade possibilities. With teams knowing what draft pick they have, they are now able to have some certainty in their offseason plans. That includes Miami, who should be on the phone with them as soon as possible.
Antetokounmpo has two years left on his deal, but his last year is a player option. Whichever team trades for him will likely want to sign him to a contract extension right away. The Heat have to figure out what the future looks like if they are not able to trade for Antetokounmpo.
The Heat will try to get a different superstar if the Bucks prefer a different offer for Antetokounmpo, as well.
Heat Ranking in Trade Packages for Giannis Antetokounmpo Revealed