For years, all we’ve been hearing about is how the Heat never have to rebuild because stars want to play there. But for years, they’ve been striking out with that strategy, ever since Jimmy Butler fell into their laps back in 2019. The team has made a couple of Finals runs, but they’re now wallowing in mediocrity with no clear path back to contention.
But that may be set to change as they appear closer than ever to bringing back a real superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo. We’ve known Miami was a preferred destination for the Greek Freak, but we’ve heard that before, and it didn’t matter with the Heat holding little leverage and a meager trade package.
Despite that, we just haven’t heard any real noise about other contending teams getting in the mix for Giannis. The Celtics could easily beat the Heat’s best offer, but they don’t seem at all motivated to do so. Similar sentiments are echoing out from other corners of the league, and nobody but the Heat has emerged as a truly motivated, serious suitor.
Miami Heat appear to be 'closing in' on Giannis trade
Recently, Matt Moore, of the Action Network, went on the Locked On NBA Podcast and summed up where things stand:
“Here’s what I will tell you. Much to my alarm, this is not reported from Miami’s side or Milwaukee’s side; this is from around the league. People around the league say ‘yeah it sounds like Miami’s closing in on Giannis’”
Moore isn’t exactly the biggest newsbreaker like Shams or Marc Stein, but he is well-connected and isn’t one to speak out of turn. He’s not reporting anything, but he clearly talks to a lot of people, and it’s fair to say this is the same general premise we’re hearing from all corners of the NBA media.
The point here isn’t that Moore’s intel is changing the landscape; it’s that this is the landscape. One of the best players in the world is being dangled on the trade market, and there’s only one team that’s really pushing for him.
Bucks finding uninspiring trade market for Giannis
Part of this is on Giannis. With just one guaranteed year left on his deal, he’s about to be due a massive extension. Trading for him now would be a massive risk if he hasn’t indicated a desire to re-sign with the acquiring team. Also, he’s an again big man who relies on athleticism and physicality, and spent most of the last season on the sidelines with calf issues.
The final hurdle is the cost to acquire. With the recent draft reform, teams are clearly hesitant to part with major draft capital for a soon-to-be free agent in his 30s. Many teams could offer a better package than Miami and also offer him a better chance at contending.
And yet, teams in position to contend don’t seem inclined to take the plunge. Which leaves us with the Heat, a team stuck in the middle, with no great young prospects or draft capital. They don’t have much going for them, so they don’t have much to lose. The risk seems lower for them than most, but will there be any real reward for a team that won’t have much beyond Giannis and another non-shooting big man in Bam Adebayo? I, for one, remain skeptical.
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