With 2026 now in full swing, the Miami Heat could be one team looking to make a trade before next month's deadline. Last year, the team dealt franchise star Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors after a months-long public dispute. However, this time around, the Heat could be on the buying end of things. With their 19-15 record and sixth-place standing in the Eastern Conference, the Heat have outperformed expectations so far this season. Now is as good a time as ever to bring in a star, especially when a former MVP is reportedly in trade discussions.
CBS Sports released an article, highlighting five bold predictions for the NBA in 2026. The first prediction noted: Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo getting traded to Miami.
"The Miami Heat," the article wrote. "Antetokounmpo shares an agent, Alex Saratsis, with Bam Adebayo. Miami could build an offer around Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and all of its remaining draft capital to top whatever veteran-based package New York puts together without splitting up the Saratsis duo. Miami's record of attracting stars is legendary, and Pat Riley will surely try for one last heist. For now, the stars are aligning to give him a real shot at executing it. Unless one of the asset-rich younger teams has a disappointing postseason and pivots sharply, this is probably ending with a bidding war between the glamour markets."
Even with the recent reports the Bucks are not interested in moving Antetokounmpo, it is seeming more and more likely by the day that he gets traded. This prediction doesn't mean the Heat will outright trade for him mid-season but could offer a substantial package Milwaukee's way this offseason. Miami has the assets such as Kel'el Ware and Tyler Herro along with another hefty salary to dump with Andrew Wiggins' contract.
"As it stands right now, Miami probably has the most to trade in that scenario and the most to lose by missing out," the article added. "After all, the Knicks might make the Finals as is. The Lakers have an MVP candidate in his mid-20s. The Heat need this, and that's going to get it across the finish line."
The Eastern Conference seems to be stronger than last season and that includes having stars such as Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum out for most if not the entire season. Miami adding a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber to pair with an All-Star in Adebayo would catapult the team near the top of the preseason conference rankings for next season.
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