Heat reportedly still eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo
heat-reportedly-still-eyeing-giannis-antetokounmpo
Miami, FL — The Miami Heat remain attentive to any future availability of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer reported that Antetokounmpo’s representatives recently calculated how the forward’s long-term earnings would be affected by playing in a no-income-tax state such as Florida. They performed similar projections for Texas when Dallas was considered an option earlier in his career.
Miami’s roster decisions this offseason have reinforced speculation that the franchise is preserving trade assets for a younger superstar. The Heat declined to include first-round pick Kel’el Ware in discussions for Kevin Durant and also resisted packaging Ware with Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic and the No. 20 pick, according to the report. Rival executives interpreted those moves as a sign that Miami is saving its best trade pieces in case Antetokounmpo becomes available.
Antetokounmpo, 29, has consistently stated his desire to remain in Milwaukee, where he won the 2021 NBA championship and two MVP awards. He is under contract with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season on a deal that includes a player option for the final year.
The Heat have not publicly commented on their interest, but the organization is known for pursuing elite talent whenever an opportunity arises.
Source: Hoops Wire
