The "Greek Freak" heads to South Beach as the Miami Heat sacrifices Tyler Herro and young talent to form a powerhouse duo with Bam Adebayo, signaling a championship-or-bust era.
MIAMI, Fla. – It’s finally happening!
After several rumors and reports, plus missing out on several superstars – Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard – the Miami Heat delivered with former Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. After dedicating 13 years to the Milwaukee Bucks, including delivering the franchise its first NBA Championship in 50 years, the “Greek Freak” is heading to South Florida.
In exchange, the Heat are parting ways with All-Star guard and 2022 Sixth Man of the Year recipient Tyler Herro – going to the Bucks. He was drafted by the organization with the No. 13 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Following a one-and-done season with the Kentucky Wildcats, Herro quickly made himself known in the league.
The “Baby Goat” scored the seventh-highest points (37) in a single playoff game by a rookie – Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Herro continued to develop steadily, then made a jump throughout the 2021-22 season by leading the league in scoring (20.7 points per game) among reserves. He became the first Heat player to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
In the following four years, Herro emerged as a starter, plus earned an All-Star appearance in 2025. However, in those same seasons, the Heat wound up in the Play-In Tournament. Outside of the 2020 Orlando Bubble, Herro hadn’t been the most reliable player in the playoffs – scoring averages and shooting splits noticeably decreased.
Despite being regarded as a cornerstone franchise player, the 26-year-old was constantly mentioned in trade rumors – this being no different. Nearly a full year after the Heat decided not to extend Herro, he will no longer be on the Heat’s roster.
Alongside him in the package are Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and the following draft capital:
- No. 13 pick
- 2031 and 2033 first-round picks (unprotected)
- 2030 pick swap
- 2033 second-round pick
Despite sacrificing future talent, it was necessary for a win-now move.
Pairing Antetokounmpo alongside three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo puts the Heat among the Eastern Conference’s title contenders. As the New York Knicks are currently the reigning NBA Champions, the league runs through the Big Apple until further notice.
11-year veteran forward Bobby Portis joins Antetokounmpo on the move down to South Florida. He's a notorious defender who's finished top 10 in Sixth Man of the Year voting three times in the last seven seasons. Portis provides a three-and-D presence – shooting a career 39.3 percent from behind the arc.
It’s been 13 years since the Heat last won the Larry O’Brien trophy and a parade was held down Biscayne Blvd. The idea is that the acquisition of Antetokounmpo will get the franchise over the hump; meanwhile, the front office fills up the rest of the roster. He’s the biggest professional star athlete to move down to South Florida since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023.
It’s officially a new chapter. The deal is expected to be finalized by July 6.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
