The Miami Heat's season trajectory has been unexpected. The team started out hot as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference but quickly came back down to Earth. Now, Miami sits at the No. 8 seed in the conference with a 22-21 record. With their current standing, there are questions regarding the team's potential activity at next month's trade deadline.
Bleacher Report unveiled their updated trade deadline predictions for every NBA team. The Heat's prediction: Keep their powder dry for the summer (and Giannis Antetokounmpo).
"Earlier this week, ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed that, although Giannis Antetokounmpo may publicly be trying to quiet the trade rumors, there's still a chance he gets moved before the deadline," the article wrote. "And there may be some deals and negotiations around the league that have stalled out while we wait for a true resolution of the situation in Milwaukee. It makes sense. If a team spends all its assets on a lesser player, only to learn Giannis is actually available a couple days later, the buyer's remorse will be overwhelming."
Players of Antetokounmpo's caliber don't usually hit the trade block at the midseason point but there could be some movement. Last year, Luka Doncic was shipped to the Lakers as part of one of the most shocking deals in NBA history so why couldn't Antetokounmpo realistically be moved? A package for the former MVP from Miami's end certainly wouldn't be cheap.
"The Miami Heat are one of those teams that might be able to put together a decent offer for Antetokounmpo, so don't expect them to send assets like Tyler Herro, any of their other younger players and draft picks elsewhere, even if that means holding them till this summer," the article added. "Despite Milwaukee continuing to underwhelm after Giannis' return from injury, the Bucks are going to keep him beyond the deadline, which could make it a quiet February for teams like Miami."
The most realistically valuable trade piece for the Heat seems to be Kel'el Ware. Pat Riley displayed his reluctance to move him last offseason but for Antetokounmpo, he would seemingly need to be a part of the package. Tyler Herro is in a similar boat. His contract wasn't extended in Oct. so he could very well be on the block in a potential deal.
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