The Miami Heat resisted the temptation to trade rookie big man Kel’el Ware during their failed chase for Kevin Durant. But if Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes says the Heat should waste no time and make Ware the centerpiece of their offer.
Hughes laid out a potential trade that would send Antetokounmpo to Miami in a deal stacked with prospects and draft capital:
Getty Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware could head to Milwaukee in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade.
Miami Heat receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Kel’el Ware, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, 2027 first-round swap, 2029 first-round swap, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round swap, 2032 first-round pick
“If Giannis ultimately asks to be traded, the Heat could pounce with a pick-heavy offer that also includes Ware as the keeper alongside the necessary matching salary,” Hughes wrote.
Why Miami Must Consider It
For Miami, the chance to acquire Antetokounmpo is a franchise-altering opportunity. Pairing the two-time MVP with Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell would immediately give the Heat one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the NBA, creating a defensive nightmare and a versatile offensive core.
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo could become an unstoppable frontcourt for the Miami Heat.
Hughes noted that Ware is Miami’s “best tool to secure high-end talent” after a strong rookie season. His per-36-minute averages — 15.1 points, 12 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and nearly a made three-pointer — showed the 7-footer’s potential as a modern big man. But there’s also risk in holding onto him. Ware shot just 31.5% from three, and if that number doesn’t improve, his value as a trade chip could drop.
Add to that Ware’s struggle with his motor, a known weakness of his entering the draft, that has continued to hound him in the NBA.
“A big part of this is he has to really embrace and improve his professionalism, his consistency, his approach every single day,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Ware in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League in July. “He has to get better with that. It’s learning how to become a pro.”
Considering all of these, “The Heat might want to act quickly,” Hughes warned, arguing that Ware’s current stock might be as high as it gets.
Betting Markets Favor Heat
Sports Betting AG has the Heat firmly in the mix if Antetokounmpo’s situation changes. Miami sits with the third-best odds (+500) to land the superstar, trailing only the New York Knicks (+100) and the San Antonio Spurs (+200). The Brooklyn Nets (+600) and Boston Celtics (+1600) follow Miami in the top five.
That placement reflects Miami’s long-standing reputation for star-chasing. Pat Riley and the Heat front office have built a history of turning bold swings into franchise cornerstones — from LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010 to Jimmy Butler in 2019. Antetokounmpo could represent their next transformative move.
The Waiting Game on Giannis
The Heat’s pursuit ultimately depends on Antetokounmpo himself. His future with Milwaukee has been the subject of speculation all offseason. On “Get Up,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the two-time MVP continues to weigh his options.
“There’s still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving,” Charania said. “The constant question that Giannis has, though, is, ‘Can I win a championship with this roster?’”
For now, Miami can only wait. But if Antetokounmpo reaches a breaking point with the Bucks, Hughes believes the Heat have the pieces to strike — and it starts with Kel’el Ware.
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