The Milwaukee Bucks emerge as the top contender for the Miami Heat's versatile All-Star. With Giannis' future uncertain, a blockbuster trade could reshape the Eastern Conference.
As the trade deadline is nearly a couple of weeks away, the business side of basketball has been relatively quiet. The Washington Wizards' acquisition of four-time All-Star Trae Young has been the only midseason deal to be finalized. It was reported that business has been on hold as teams wait to see if the biggest domino falls: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"There are deals and talk progressions on hold," Brian Windhorst said on Friday. "Teams still aren't 100 percent sure whether Giannis is going to be on the team the rest of the year."
The former Finals MVP and the Milwaukee Bucks appear to be making the most of this season, despite recent struggles, currently sitting with a 17-24 record, 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They've lost three consecutive games, with the last couple coming in blowouts to the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.
The Bucks are reportedly buyers on the trade market to improve the roster's chance of competing, especially with Antetokounmpo. They're on the watch for a couple of All-Stars, including Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins. The 30-year-old has been mentioned in trade rumors, with the Bucks being one of the most consistent destinations.
Wiggins is averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from three-point range in 38 games. The 12-year veteran is making $28.22 million this season, with a $30.17 million player option for next year.
The Heat could sell high on Wiggins' value on the trade market, with multiple suitors potentially lined up, including the Bucks. It was reported on Friday that personnel within the organization are confident that a big move is coming.
However, the Heat have shown no indications of a fire sale happening ahead of the trade deadline, despite recent struggles.
Additionally, it would be challenging for both sides to reach an agreement on a deal, as the Heat is one of the teams waiting to see if Antetokounmpo takes the league by storm and requests a trade.
Wiggins would require sacrificing draft capital, which limits the Bucks' offer, as they only have three of their own first-round picks available.
Antetokounmpo is in control of the trade market. In Tuesday night's loss against the Timberwolves, fans were booing, and he booed back. He couldn't recall any similar event happening in his 13-year career.
After stating there would be no trade request coming, the situation could escalate in the upcoming weeks. The trade deadline closes on Feb. 5th, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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