Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is still the epicenter of this year's NBA trade rumors.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is still the epicenter of this year's NBA trade rumors.
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to look for the best Giannis Antetokounmpo trade package ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Milwaukee must either trade Antetokounmpo to a new destination or commit to waiting until the offseason if they keep him. Multiple teams are rumored to have strong interest in Giannis since few MVP caliber players are on the deadline for every team to bid on.
NBA insider Ethan Skolnick reported that one team apparently has a stronger chance thanks to the Bucks front office being impressed with their pieces:
“A couple of people inside the Bucks organization reportedly like the Miami Heat’s potential offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
The Miami Heat have been open about their interest in making a trade for Antetokounmpo. Past rumors leaked before Giannis was even made available with claims of Miami planning to save their assets for the day he hit the market. Recent news about both Milwaukee and Giannis being open to the move made the Heat an instant contender.
Miami has the potential to offer multiple young players to rebuild around, future draft picks and maybe a veteran player to later deal for more assets. The Buck reportedly values young players they can develop now and future draft picks as their top interests.
What Is Miami’s Offer For Giannis?
NBA pundit Barry Jackson recently revealed the most likely Heat trade offer for Giannis to show why the Bucks may favor them most. The main players involved would be former All-Star Tyler Herro, young prospect Kel’el Ware, Terry Rozier’s expiring contract, and another young player. Many draft picks and swaps would also be added to complete this deal.
Milwaukee would clearly love a trade package that gets them a player good enough to make the All-Star team and two prospects they can give more minutes to. The past few years have seen the Bucks trading away most of their future picks to build a contender around Antetokounmpo.
Young players with NBA experience are pivotal to a deal since it allows them to essentially replace those draft picks with NBA ready talent for the rebuild. Miami has enough depth to sacrifice these pieces, while keeping a second star like Bam Adebayo and holding enough depth to have a solid rotation.
Other Teams Still Can Get Giannis
Opposing NBA teams should be wary that the Bucks like Miami’s offer and that the Heat have strong motivation to add another star. However, other teams could also add their valuable pieces to shake things up and tip the scales in their favor.
The Golden State Warriors trying to add Giannis to an aging roster could see Milwaukee getting tempted by their draft picks in the 2030s for after Stephen Curry retires. Despite not showing as strong interest, the New York Knicks were Antetokounmpo’s top destination and could see him forcing his influence.
Other teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers will need more luck on their side. One thing for certain is that many teams out there believe that Giannis can change their future. The Bucks must listen to all offers before even considering signing away their franchise player in a trade.