The Miami Heat have flown under the radar all season, and perhaps for good reason. They are currently eighth in the East and seem stuck being a perennial play-in team unless they can make a big trade to propel them back into title contention.
Fortunately for Miami, that trade target appears to be very much in play. It’s no secret that the Heat have been targeting Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo for years, and it appears that he may very well be traded during the season.
Miami has quietly kept their powder dry in case he hits the trade market. And while they don’t appear to be the favorites to land him, they could still be an attractive landing spot.
Of course the difference between playing in Milwaukee and playing in Miami is night and day, with Miami being a far more attractive destination. It appears that he is more drawn to a big market city after spending the first 12 years of his career playing in a small market.
The Miami Heat have a shot at landing Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to NBA insider Mark Stein (subscription required), teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs are all expected not to pursue Giannis. Those teams bowing out of a potential sweepstakes have to improve Miami’s chances of landing him.
Still, it appears that the New York Knicks are the odds-on favorites, but Miami should be considered a dark horse landing spot. After all, they have far more appealing assets than the Knicks do. New York would either have to trade Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and pick swaps for Giannis.
Compare that to what the Heat can offer, which includes three first-round picks, Tyler Herro, Kellel Ware, and Terry Rozier’s massive $26.6 million expiring contract.
Personally, I would rather do business with the Heat than the Knicks considering what Miami has to offer. Of course it isn’t up to me, and it may not even be up to the Bucks, with Giannis potentially being able to steer his way to his next team.
The Miami Heat can outbid the Knicks for Giannis
That being said, it’s hard to imagine that he wouldn’t want to play for Miami, even if they are forced to give up two starters and pretty much all their remaining first-round picks.
Heat president Pat Riley has a long history of being able to form super teams and build around them successfully. If Giannis comes, then he could quickly build a championship contender around him and Bam Adebayo.
Especially in the Eastern Conference, which appears right for the taking. Of course, the longer this trade saga plays out, the less time his new team has to gel and make a run.
With the trade deadline only 5 weeks away, we won’t have to wait very long to figure out where he will be playing next. New York remains the favorite, but if Riley can work his magic, then Giannis could be headed to South Beach soon enough.
