Heat Viewed as Leading Suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo Before Trade Deadline
heat-viewed-as-leading-suitor-for-giannis-antetokounmpo
Executives around the NBA believe the Miami Heat are in the strongest position to land Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Bucks choose to move him before next week’s trade deadline, according to Marc Stein.
Stein reports that officials from two teams think a deal could be reached by the deadline, while a representative from a third club expects Milwaukee to wait until the offseason. Despite the uncertainty, league sources cited by Stein see Miami as the team most capable of presenting an attractive package and note a “confident” tone coming from the Heat’s front office.
Miami’s top proposal would reportedly revolve around guard Tyler Herro, second-year center Kelel Ware, and multiple draft picks. Herro, 26, is coming off an All-Star campaign but has appeared in only 11 games this season because of injuries, including a current rib issue. He is signed through 2025 on a $33 million contract and would give Milwaukee an immediate scoring option.
Ware, 21, is averaging 11.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in his second season. Viewed as a potential long-term cornerstone for the Bucks’ frontcourt, he still has two years left on his rookie deal and becomes extension-eligible next summer. The Heat also control every first-round pick except one owed to Charlotte—lottery-protected in 2027 and unprotected in 2028—giving them the flexibility to add significant draft compensation.
Antetokounmpo, sidelined with a right calf strain, has watched Milwaukee slip to 18-27 after Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia. Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the distraction created by constant speculation: “I can’t wait until all the deadlines and stuff pass—because we’re Rumor Central,” Rivers said. “Some [information is] true, some not true… but it’s a distraction at times for sure.”
No timetable has been set for Antetokounmpo’s return, and the Bucks have not indicated whether they intend to engage in serious trade discussions before the February deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
