Miami’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo hits a snag as Milwaukee insists on offloading Myles Turner’s massive contract, forcing the Heat to navigate a complex multi-team blockbuster deal.
Miami, Fla. – Three weeks lie ahead before the NBA Draft begins, which is essentially around the time the Miami Heat will hope to agree to terms on a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. All signs point to the Milwaukee Bucks being ready to move on from the former Finals MVP after a 13-year tenure.
However, does an obstacle already present itself?
It was reported by Gery Woelfl that the Bucks are looking to include two-time block champion center Myles Turner. The 30-year-old signed with the organization last summer after spending 10 seasons with the division rival Indiana Pacers. Turner is known as one of the best stretch bigs in the league.
However, the former lottery pick struggled to find a consistent rhythm. He averaged 11.9 points on 44 percent shooting, 38.3 percent from three-point range, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 71 games, all starts.
Turner is capable of being a significant factor for a championship contender, but in the right system. In the Indiana Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals in 2025, All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton made sure to get everyone involved offensively. Meanwhile, the Bucks ran through Antetokounmpo entirely. Despite only playing in 33 games, the offense had no flow–nothing similar to the Pacers.
In the 2025 offseason, Turner signed a four-year, $108.87 million contract, including a $29.12 million player option for the 2028-29 season. Given the value of the deal, along with Antetokounmpo’s, it’s essentially difficult for the Heat to complete a one-on-one trade involving both of them.
As Woelfel reported, it will likely take a multi-team trade and sending them to different destinations.
No reports indicate that Antetokounmpo is forcing out of Milwaukee, but there’s a clear sign of a divorce incoming. However, attempting to include Turner’s contract in a deal could stall the process because of the extensive value. He is set to make $26.58 million for next season–which is an overpay.
This wouldn’t be the first time the Heat made a multi-team trade involving an All-Star. The deal that shipped Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors involved five franchises, nine total players, six picks, and a couple of cash considerations.
The Heat can’t allow the Bucks’ desperation to move on from Turner to get in the way of landing a much-needed superstar. Otherwise, it could result in a failed offseason–moving further from title contention, especially in the Eastern Conference.
It's Giannis-or-bust this summer.
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