The Miami Heat's expectations for the trade deadline are all over the place. There is a scenario where the team embraces a selling mentality and parts with multiple players whose contracts are set to expire or they could add a player or two for a potential playoff push. With their current No. 7 standing in the Eastern Conference, either scenario could play out. However, all signs are pointing to the Heat missing out on the best player potentially available in trade talks.
Bleacher Report released an article, making bold trade deadline predictions for every NBA franchise. The Heat's prediction: "Miami Heat Will Lose the Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes."
"A couple weeks ago, 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. And after another disappointing week for the Milwaukee Bucks, the teams that may be in that camp have to be anteing up for the potential trade. For the Miami Heat, that means some combination of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez, Kel'el Ware and multiple future picks. And while the young talent in that package probably tops Golden State's, the Warriors' future picks feel a bit more valuable. And that will put them over the top."
Antetokounmpo recently suffered an injury with no timetable to return, sparking doubt in terms of getting moved next month. While the Warriors seem like a solid destination, if Antetokounmpo is traded by the Milwaukee Bucks, it is becoming more likely that he gets dealt this summer. With the All-Star seemingly off the table for deadline conversations, the Heat must pivot their attention to other players. LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant continue to sit on the trade block. Morant has been floated around in rumors over the past couple of months but nothing has materialized.
Miami has the opportunity to still contend this season and acting as buyers at the deadline should be considered, even with the No. 1 guy reportedly not planning on being dealt.
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