The Miami Heat pursues Giannis Antetokounmpo with compelling young talent, battling rivals for the MVP's potential blockbuster trade.
As the Miami Heat come off a dominant, blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls, with a final score of 134-91, the trade deadline is only a few days away. After several weeks of quiet, the business side of the league is beginning to ramp up.
The latest major move came on Saturday night, when the Cleveland Cavaliers traded veteran forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder as part of a three-team deal.
However, the main attraction around the league remains the superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo situation, as the Milwaukee Bucks are engaging in conversations. The latest news is that the organization remains engaged with teams that have an interest. As they listen to offers, the front office has presented "counteroffers."
The Heat were listed among "very serious suitors" along with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.
Each of these organizations can make different sets of offers.
The Warriors have more first-round picks to trade, including their own. However, the package of players might not be as attractive. Forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Moses Moody are arguably the more high-quality young players on the roster. Also, the Warriors are $264,372 million below the second apron, which means the front office will likely be careful with the salary framework.
The Heat can offer more young, promising players:
Jaime Jaquez Jr., 24, is having a career season, with a case for Sixth Man of the Year: 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting 51.9 percent from the field in 46 games thus far.
Nikola Jovic, 22, has shown tremendous progress as a 6'10 forward who can stretch the floor. He's averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 37.4 percent from the field in 39 games thus far. He's on pace to appear in over 50 games, which would be a first for his career. Despite early setbacks, the former first-round pick could be a potential cornerstone piece in an expanded role.
Kel'el Ware, 21, is still in the early stages of developing, but can be a double-double machine on a given night. Despite ups and downs this season, the potential is too difficult to ignore. Regardless, he's averaging 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 53.9 percent from the field, 41 percent from three-point range in 47 games. The former first-round selection has two years left on his rookie contract.
Pelle Larsson could be an underrated acquisition for the Bucks if involved in the trade package, which is very likely. He's averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 49.2 percent from the field, 39.2 percent from three-point range in 43 games, including 30 starts. The 24-year-old has surpassed his second-round draft stock.
Tyler Herro, who's been dangled in trade rumors since being drafted in 2019, could be part of an Antetokounmpo deal to match salaries. He's making $31 million this season, $33 million next year, which would then expire. It's been a down year for the 25-year-old, battling various injuries.
Regardless, Herro is a Milwaukee native, which could be intriguing for both the organization and fans.
The Knicks and Timberwolves would likely need a third team to agree on a potential deal since their rosters are veteran-heavy. Both teams have an average age of 27, which is top-10 in the league. Also, the lack of draft capital doesn't make up for it.
Plus, it could come down to which organization does Antetokoumpo wish to join. He certainly has a say in this move.
The trade deadline closes on Feb. 5th, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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