The Miami Heat have emerged as one of the many NBA teams hoping to add Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline if he formally requests a move. Antetokounmpo’s time with the Milwaukee Bucks appears to be winding down since the team has little chance of contending any time soon. The New York Knicks are considered the favorite to land Antetokounmpo, but Miami has confidence in their chances.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Heat front office believes that Antetokounmpo’s previous comments about Florida’s income tax benefits can help him. Popular streamer IShowSpeed interviewed Giannis, and they discussed the differences in various state income taxes. Antetokounmpo was confirmed to prefer Florida’s cheaper taxes for the wealthy over New York and California.
The report from Fischer also mentioned that Giannis’ management group has looked over his contract in the past and the impact Florida’s taxes would have on it as a positive factor. Important people in the Heat front office believe they have a real chance to acquire the two-time MVP if he’s on the open market before the trade deadline.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Expressed Interest In Miami
Another interesting tidbit from Fischer featured the conversation of Antetokounmpo’s potential trade demand in 2020. Milwaukee acquired Jrue Holiday to appease Giannis and eventually win his first NBA Championship with the franchise. However, Antetokounmpo was considering making a move when the Bucks struggled to truly contend in the postseason before the Holiday trade.
Fischer said the following about the 2020 “what if” scenario:
“Rest assured that the Heat have not forgotten that Antetokounmpo was said to have a level of interest in a move to Miami back in 2020 before the Bucks’ acquisition of Jrue Holiday led Giannis to ink the first of two Milwaukee contract extensions.”
Multiple public and private comments have shown that Giannis has viewed Miami as a potential next fit if he was to leave Milwaukee. The Heat having some noteworthy trade assets could make them a viable partner for the Bucks, but Antetokounmpo must endorse a move to make it happen given his influence on a new organization.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Be Perfect Fit
Miami has been one of the rare NBA franchises to have Antetokounmpo’s number when looking back at playoff series. Giannis is currently 1-2 in playoff series against the Heat, and both eliminations came as the top seed getting upset by a lower Miami team.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is arguably the best coach at defending Antetokounmpo, so one would assume that they’d work well together. The one coach that can limit Giannis offensively getting to coach him would only help Antetokounmpo’s career, especially since Spo is already considered one of the smartest minds in NBA history.
Most reports have indicated the Knicks are the first choice of Giannis, but things are falling into place for Miami to have a chance. The tax situation, previous interest in playing for the Heat, coaching, and a better trade package all makes Miami a viable option. Antetokounmpo will ultimately decide when he gets traded and which teams have a chance once the Bucks relationship is over.
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