Heat and Rivals Intensify Pursuit of Antetokounmpo: Monday Update
The Miami Heat are intensifying their efforts to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. As the NBA trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. on Thursday, various teams, including the Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors, are engaged in negotiations.
Current Pursuit of Antetokounmpo
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, these four teams have become the most serious contenders for Antetokounmpo. However, the Knicks are reportedly not pursuing him aggressively, valuing their current roster. Brian Windhorst from ESPN commented that New York would need to offer additional trades to enhance their package for Antetokounmpo.
Offers and Competitive Landscape
- The Heat have two tradable first-round picks.
- The Warriors possess four tradable first-round picks.
- Neither the Knicks nor the Timberwolves have tradable first-round picks available.
Windhorst indicated that the Timberwolves’ offer may not surpass those from other contenders. He suggested that there is a 51-49 chance that Antetokounmpo remains with Milwaukee for now, predicting more attractive offers would emerge in the offseason.
Potential Heat Offer
The Miami Heat are expected to present a competitive trade package that includes Kel’el Ware, a young talent known for his rebounding and three-point shooting. Last weekend, several potential suitors made aggressive trade offers, and it is reported that Antetokounmpo is eager to leave Milwaukee.
Details of the Potential Trade Package
The following components are likely part of the Heat’s offer:
- Kel’el Ware
- Tyler Herro
- Terry Rozier’s expiring contract
- Additional young player(s)
- First-round picks in 2030 and 2032
- Possible first-round pick swaps in 2026, 2029, and 2031
The Heat might need another first-round pick to enhance their proposal. Strategies to secure this include seeking additional picks from other teams or renegotiating existing pick protections.
Antetokounmpo’s Current Status
Giannis Antetokounmpo, currently sidelined due to a calf sprain, has played in 30 of the Bucks’ 47 games this season. He is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds per game, ranking highly among the league’s top performers.
Contract Status and Future Considerations
Antetokounmpo is under contract for one more season at $58.4 million. He also has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-2028 season. If traded by the Thursday deadline, he becomes eligible for a maximum contract extension worth $275 million in October.
The Heat’s management, led by owner Micky Arison and team president Pat Riley, has been collectively reviewing trade decisions. With the franchise currently sitting at 27-24 in the Eastern Conference, this trade could redefine their competitive standing.
