With the playoffs almost over, most teams have already turned their focus to the offseason. Teams are looking to figure out how to get over the hump and win the championship, and what better way to do this than by bringing in one of the best players in the game. There have been rumors that pretty much any team could be the best Giannis Antetokounmpo trade destination, but how many of these are actually possible?
The Miami Heat check off every box when it comes to making a trade for Giannis. They have a lot of picks to give, attractive young talent that can help kickstart a Bucks rebuild, and play in a big market. Due to Miami being a historic franchise with a passionate fanbase, there is a good chance that if traded there, Antetokounmpo will sign a long-term extension with them. He is set to be a free agent after the season, and giving up the amount they will need to acquire him for only one season will not be worth it for most other teams.
Full Mock Trade: G Tyler Herro, F Nikola Jovic, C Kel’el Ware, 3 First Round Picks for F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Why This Trade Works For The Bucks
The Heat have been one of the most talked-about destinations for the Greek Freak since this year’s trade deadline, and it is for good reason. They want to make a big move and have a ton of pieces to do so.
The main piece Milwaukee is getting back in this mock trade is former All-Star and Sixth Man of the Year winner, Tyler Herro. He has averaged 20 points per game in 5 straight seasons and could be a nice piece in an expanded role next to breakout Ryan Rollins. With the Bucks entering a transition period post-Giannis, having a reliable veteran guard to help stabilize the team would be beneficial, as they try to find their next players to build around.
The Bucks will also receive solid depth, which they have lacked over the past couple of seasons. Kel’el Ware has been a solid center ever since he entered the league. This past year, his second in the league, Ware averaged 11.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. As a great rebounder, he will complement starting center Myles Turner well, as he struggles in that area.
Nikola Jovic could also become a meaningful contributor for the Bucks as they begin their rebuild. He had a down year, but is only 22 years old and has experience as a rotational player in the past. With much more freedom to operate on a Bucks team that will most likely be letting the young players play, Jovic has the chance to prove himself as part of the team’s future.
As part of the trade, in addition to the players, the Bucks would receive first-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2031, setting them up with all the pieces needed for an effective rebuild.
Why This Trade Works For The Heat
This would give Miami two big bodies, Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, that they could build around. The Eastern Conference looks to be wide open for the next couple of years, and by acquiring Giannis, they will surely be in the mix for a championship.
The Heat have reached the Eastern Conference finals three out of the last seven years and are looking to get over the hump and win their first championship since the LeBron James era. They have been stuck in mediocrity for the past three years, not making it past the first round, and are looking for a boost that can get them back to where they were.
The Heat have been linked to the Bucks’ All-Star for some time now, and it would make sense for this trade to finally happen. These teams have had conversations in the past about a potential trade, have all the pieces to make it happen, and it’s only a matter of time until it happens. There are a number of teams in the mix for Antetokounmpo, but Miami and Milwaukee seem like a match made in heaven.
