Pat Riley targets a massive haul to replace Jimmy Butler, dangling a package of young talent and draft capital to lure Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach.
Miami, FL. – It’s far less than a secret that the Miami Heat are in desperate need of star power. After trading Jimmy Butler at the 2025 trade deadline following three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances, the franchise’s trajectory changed. Despite having three All-Star caliber players this past season in Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro, the production wasn’t consistent enough to contend with the rest of the Eastern Conference.
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, the Heat President Pat Riley and the front office appear ready to make drastic changes to the roster. The biggest “whale” target is former Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly entertaining offers for the 10-time All-Star, with the Heat being one of several suitors. ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks put together a possible trade package.
Heat receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks receive: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic, 2026 (No. 13) first-round pick (via MIA), 2031 first-round pick (via MIA), 2033 first-round pick (via MIA), and a 2029 first-round swap (via MIA)
Jovic signed a four-year, $62.4 million rookie-scale contract extension last summer, with an average salary of $15.6 million. Despite underwhelming results on the court, especially with availability, the 22-year-old has shown glimpses of potential.
Herro has been linked to trade rumors involving several superstars, including Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and James Harden. Despite being extension eligible, the 26-year-old only played in 33 total games this past regular season. He’s been viewed as a cornerstone franchise piece, but Herro hasn’t proven to elevate a team’s contention.
Ware might have the most potential from the proposed package. He averaged 11.1 points on 53 percent shooting, 39.5 percent from behind the arc, nine rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 77 games, including 34 starts. Despite battling through clashes with coach Erik Spoelstra, the 22-year-old continues to show improvements. He’s a seven-footer who can average a double-double, space the floor, and protect the rim.
The No. 13 pick would give the Bucks two lottery picks in what’s expected to be a loaded draft class. It would be a significant asset to bring in a couple of elite young prospects to kickstart a rebuild.
Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam stated that Antetokounmpo’s future will likely be finalized on draft night.
The Heat will make strong pushes to land the former two-time MVP to return to championship contention. The offseason is a make-or-break, especially for future hopes.
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