The Miami Heat are usually hesitant to make giant moves, even for big-time players.
Fans have tried to be patient as they’ve watched Pat Riley and his staff remain mostly still during numerous trade deadlines and offseasons.
A new report from Barry Jackson says that the Heat would have tried to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo if he attempted to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, they were not willing to offer absolutely everything and everyone for him.
“If Antetokounmpo had asked out, the Heat was prepared to make an offer that did not include Bam Adebayo, according to a source. But it’s unlikely any such offer would have been seriously considered,” Jackson said.
The Miami Heat were prepared to offer the Milwaukee Bucks a trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo that did not include Bam Adebayo, per @flasportsbuzz
“If Antetokounmpo had asked out, the Heat was prepared to make an offer that did not include Bam Adebayo, according to a… pic.twitter.com/u6lPRFfjIw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 7, 2025
The Bucks won’t be willing to cut ties with Antetokounmpo unless they receive an offer that blows them away.
They know that he’s a once-in-a-generation star who is worth a lot, and a deal that doesn’t feature Adebayo probably wouldn’t cut it.
Perhaps they didn’t think acquiring Antetokounmpo wasn’t really possible, or maybe they have other plans, but the Heat’s potential deal wouldn’t be mouth-watering for Milwaukee.
More reporting has come out that suggests Antetokounmpo and his management are contemplating moving during the season, which means the Heat could get another chance to trade for him.
If that happens, they will have to throw a lot more at Milwaukee.
Over the last few years, the Heat have been attached to players like Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant, but they have never been able to seal the deal and make a trade happen.
If they want to actually land a huge name, they will need to rethink their approach.
NEXT: Davion Mitchell Reveals His Expectations For Heat This Season