Bill Simmons Predicts Miami Heat Trade For Superstar This Week

The Miami Heat are set to make a big move this offseason, a potentially franchise-changing one. All eyes have been pointing to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo as the big name to join Miami this offseason. There are other names, such as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, who are included in trade discussions as well. However, none are bigger than Antetokounmpo and the Heat are a rumored destination to land the 10-time All-Star.

On a recent episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons predicted a trade involving the Heat and Antetokounmpo could be announced as early as this week.

A trade for Antetokounmpo would certainly not be cheap as multiple players and first-round picks would have to be included. Simmons says the idea of Milwaukee holding both the No. 10 and No. 13 picks on draft night should be enticing to the franchise since they would basically begin their rebuild by parting with Antetokounmpo.

Last offseason, the Heat were reportedly interested in acquiring Kevin Durant when he was included in trade discussions. He ended up getting dealt to the Houston Rockets prior to the NBA draft. There is a history of big, blockbuster trades happening prior to the draft period as Desmond Bane was also dealt to the Orlando Magic last offseason, a week before the draft. Also, in 2024, Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks one day prior to the draft. None of these deals become official until the start of the new league year in July but the frameworks of these deals were set in stone.

Simmons predicting a trade could happen this week may be a bit early when looking at recent history. The Heat reportedly offered a package to the Bucks at the deadline, centered around Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, other players and multiple draft picks and pick swaps. Herro makes the most sense to be dealt given his current contract situation. He had a breakout campaign during the 2024-25 season, earning his first All-Star nod. However, he missed a lot of time this season and Pat Riley has been reluctant to hand him a contract extension. He is only under contract for one more season and Miami may want to deal him while he still has a solid amount of trade value.

With the Heat's recent seasons of mediocrity, adding a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber would immediately skyrocket their chances at winning the Eastern Conference title next season. The East will be more difficult next season when the Celtics have Jayson Tatum fully back, the Pistons' young core have another year under their belt and the Knicks may very well enter the season as defending NBA champs.

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