The Miami Heat always tries to bring in superstars. They are one of the most sought-after destinations in the league in free agency. In recent years, they haven’t been afraid to offer big packages in trades, even though they haven’t been able to execute them.
A couple of years ago, they were considered the favorites to land Damian Lillard in a trade. Instead, the Trail Blazers sent him to Milwaukee. This past trade deadline, the Heat were trying to land Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks. Milwaukee ended up keeping him.
According to a recent report, the Heat came the closest to landing Antetokounmpo out of any of the suitors out there for him.
The Heat Almost Pried Giannis Antetokounmpo away from the Bucks
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo sits on the bench. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks were extremely close to accepting a package from the Heat. Miami offered Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, other players, and multiple draft picks and pick swaps. Milwaukee thought heavily about taking that package.
Instead, they decided to hold on to Antetokounmpo, believing that better offers will be available this summer. The Heat are likely going to take another run at him this offseason with a similar package. They might be able to offer another first-round pick to get something over the edge.
Miami should be one of the teams that pursue Antetokounmpo the hardest. Milwaukee will likely also continue to try to get young assets from other teams, such as Philly and Cleveland. Milwaukee tried to do that already, but was rebuked.
The Heat don’t have as many young players to offer the Bucks in a trade for Antetokounmpo as other teams have. That is why the Bucks declined the offer from them in the first place. Yet, that might end up being the best option, depending on how the draft lottery falls.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Miami Would Embrace Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo is still one of the best players in the NBA when he is healthy. The issue has been his staying healthy. He’s had multiple calf injuries this year, which have kept him to just 36 games so far this season. He is in a fight with Milwaukee to play right now, though. The NBA continues to investigate that.
Miami would try to pair Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo to form one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. Both of them are defensive menaces, and both have shown themselves to be strong scorers. Adebayo has the second-most points in a game in league history.
It’s highly unlikely that Antetokounmpo stays in Milwaukee heading into next season. It wouldn’t make any sense for the Bucks to run it back with the current roster they have after it being such a colossal failure this year. Miami will be in the play-in this year yet again.
Both franchises are looking to change their fortunes. A trade for Antetokounmpo could do just that.
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