Despite a quiet trade deadline, the Miami Heat's sights remain set on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. The chase for the superstar continues.
The Miami Heat were the lone Eastern Conference team not to make a trade at the Feb. 5 deadline. The focus of the organization revolved around the possibility of acquiring superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves were others reportedly aggressively pursuing him, but the former Finals MVP stood with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Heat's decision not to make a trade to such a flawed roster was considered a disappointment. The Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers made other significant moves to potentially make a push to win the Eastern Conference.
However, the Heat are reportedly not done chasing, as Antetokounmpo will be the primary target this upcoming summer.
This news can be exhausting, but this was always a possibility regarding Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks. There would be more assets to acquire in an offseason trade scenario rather than at the deadline. Whether it's draft capital or intriguing young players, it was always going to take a haul to land the nine-time All-Star.
At the deadline, the Heat could only offer two first-round picks and four pick swaps. They were willing to trade virtually anyone on the roster except Bam Adebayo. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Pelle Larsson, and Kel'el Ware could qualify as intriguing young players.
If the organization continues the hunt for Antetokounmpo, a third team would need to be involved for additional draft assets.
However, what could tarnish the Heat's long dream is if the Bucks manage to land a top lottery pick. In a draft class that's projected to consist of loaded prospects, it may be the organization's final hope of retaining its longtime superstar. The Bucks have full control of their own pick, which won't happen over the next five years afterwards.
The Heat would need a backup plan in case Antetokounmpo becomes out of reach once again. A trade deadline with no movement is discouraging, but an offseason revolved around one player is disturbing. The Heat have fallen short in acquiring stars over the last few years, such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Bradley Beal.
The organization isn't known to tank, but with the last significant addition being Jimmy Butler in the summer of 2019, there must be some questions about how management has handled business. It will be interesting to keep track of how the situation unravels in the offseason; meanwhile, the current team is coming off a disappointing 115-111 loss against the Utah Jazz.
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