An NBA analyst shared the shocking timeline of the Miami Heat's pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks appear to be headed toward a parting of ways.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that "Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP's future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks."
Just a day later, it was announced Antetokounmpo will be sidelined two to four weeks with a calf strain. Still, plenty of teams would pick up the phone if the two-time MVP is made available for trade, as he is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. This likely includes the Miami Heat.
NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry of The Ringer revealed on an episode of The Zach Lowe Show just how long the Heat have been pursuing Antetokounmpo.
"Going back to the bubble, there was smoke around, you know Miami always, you've heard all the intel around Miami for years," Goldsberry began. "I remember talking to a Bucks coach at the time being like, 'Dude, one of the Miami coaches is kind of like tampering with our guy in the bubble.' I don't know if it's true or not, but I just remember thinking that, and then you start to hear about them waiting, so I think Miami has to be mentioned."
This shouldn't come as a surprise, considering the Heat are always mentioned when a superstar talent is involved in trade rumors. However, they have struck out on Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, and more.
Goldsberry went on to make the case of why Miami is a strong suitor for the nine-time All-Star.
"They're playing well; they're a smart team. They've been able to sort of resurrect careers like Giannis'. Unfortunately for Heat fans, they have one of the more awkward front office predicaments hindering them from making a big trade, which is the Terry Rozier cloud and the uncertainty that it comes with."
While the Rozier situation certainly isn't ideal, the Heat have plenty of other assets they can offer to the Bucks in exchange for Antetokounmpo.