Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly seeks a new home. The Miami Heat strategically positions itself, holding assets for a blockbuster move.
The trade deadline is eight days away, but it's been relatively quiet, until it was reported on Wednesday that the Milwaukee Bucks are entertaining offers for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former Finals MVP is ready to find a new home, whether it's midseason or the summer.
The nine-time All-Star spent 13 seasons with the organization that drafted him with the 15th pick as part of the 2013 draft class. Antetokounmpo is currently the franchise leader in multiple statistical categories, such as points, rebounds, assists, blocks, etc.
The 31-year-old is currently sidelined due to a right calf injury, but still demands great value on the trade market. He's averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.5 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from three-point range in 30 games on the season.
The Bucks sit with an 18-27 record, 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, 15-15 when Antetokounmpo plays. Rumors of a divorce have been flaring, but as the trade deadline is near, it could become a reality.
Also, it was reported that the Bucks' price would be young talent or draft picks. The Miami Heat is one of a few teams reportedly listed as a preferred destination that could meet the price. The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors are others.
The Heat have multiple first-rounders to offer, plus young talent in Nikola Jovic, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, and All-Star guard Tyler Herro.
The Knicks sacrificed most of their draft capital as part of the Mikal Bridges trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The only players younger than 25 on the active roster are Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Mohamed Diawara.
The Raptors would pose as a bigger threat to the Heat in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. They can offer more draft capital with both first and second rounders, surrounding 26-year-old guard Immanuel Quickley. After an up-and-down start to the season, he's averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and two steals while shooting 61.1 percent from the field, 61.5 percent from three-point range in the last four games.
While the three teams are listed as preferred destinations, it could all come down to which one Antetokounmpo wishes to join the most.
Unlike the Knicks, the Heat and Raptors are below the second apron, but the Heat are by a wider margin, $7.2 million. That flexibility can help get a deal done as Antetokounmpo is making $54.13 million this season, $58.46 million next season, and a $62.79 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
The Heat have missed out on multiple stars in recent years, such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. They've remained patient in holding assets for this moment.
The trade deadline closes on Feb. 5th, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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