The Miami Heat have positioned themselves as the team most likely to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Speaking Monday on “Get Up,” Windhorst called Miami “the team to watch” as trade talks around the Bucks superstar intensify.
The Heat can dangle Tyler Herro, a young former All-Star, plus a stockpile of picks that includes this year’s No. 13 selection. Just as important, Windhorst suggested Antetokounmpo himself may favor Miami. “There’s more checkmarks on Miami,” he said.
- A report last week from The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm outlined a likely package built around Herro and the No. 13 pick, plus second-year center Kel’el Ware, Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Jaime Jaquez Jr., and two future first-rounders.
- While Nikola Jović isn’t mentioned in the latest report, his salary would almost certainly need to be included to make the money work. One wrinkle: Amick noted Antetokounmpo has raised “questions” about how strong Miami’s remaining roster would be after such a deal.
Antetokounmpo has one season left at $58.5MM and holds a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28, so any acquiring team takes on real risk if he isn’t committed long term. Milwaukee reportedly hopes to resolve his situation before the June 23 draft, via trade or extension.
Windhorst also cooled talk of rival suitors, doubting Oklahoma City will touch its championship core of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams given its “run it back” messaging, and expressing skepticism that Boston would move Jaylen Brown after the title he and Jayson Tatum won together.
Related: Giannis’ Interest in Celtics Spells Trouble For Heat
