Giannis Antetokounmpo
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The Miami Heat now have the second highest odds, just behind the Milwaukee Bucks, to be Giannis Antetokounmpo's next team.
As the NBA’s trade deadline approaches on February 5 at 3 p.m. ET, the clock is ticking for the Miami Heat to make a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With NBA insiderBrian Windenhorst revealing the New York Knicks reportedly aren’t aggressive in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo, the number of teams targeting the superstar seems to be dwindling.
The recent news has now moved the Heat to the top odds to be Antetokounmpo’s next destination if he doesn’t stay with the Bucks, according to DraftKings. The Heat are at +250, while the Golden State Warriors are at +450, and the Knicks are at +900.
There was also a period on February 2 when the Chicago Bulls skyrocketed from +4000 odds to +450. Those odds have now returned to +1100.
According to the oddsmakers, if Antetokounmpo is moved ahead of the deadline on Thursday, the Heat are the most likely destination.
This would be a massive change for a Heat team that has swung and missed on multiple superstars in potential trades over the last half-decade. Players such as Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant and Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard were linked to the Heat at one point before ending up in different spots.
What’s the Latest Update for a Potential Trade Between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
GettyThe recent updates on a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo are positive for the Miami Heat.
With the Milwaukee Bucks likely mulling over trade offers from different teams,NBA insider Shams Charania revealed an update on where teams stand at this moment.
“The Bucks have been looking for a young blue-chip player and a surplus of draft picks,” Charania said. “The reality is, the Warriors have a pick-heavy offer. The Timberwolves have a player-centric offer. Miami is somewhere between both of them. Players and some picks.”
The current odds for the Bucks’ superstars’ next team reflect the idea that the Miami Heat have the most balanced offer.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald revealedwhat a Heat package for Antetokounmpo might look like.
“The Heat offer, according to a source,e is widely expected to include Ware, Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier expiring, and another young player or more, as well as 1st round picks in 2030 and 2032 and possibly 1st round pick swaps in 2026, 2029, and 2031,” Jackson said.
Whether a trade is made between the Heat and Bucks could come down to the inclusion of Heat guard Pelle Larsson.
Larsson has had a standout second season with the Heat, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. The Heat are 18-12 this season when Larsson starts and 9-12 when he doesn’t.
What’s the Miami Heat’s Backup Plan if the Milwaukee Bucks Don’t Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo
If the Miami Heat aren’t able to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, the team has a few options.
The Milwaukee Bucks could be open to trading their star over the Summer, with the Bucks keeping him for the rest of the season. If that’s the case, the Heat could circle back to a trade then.
If not, there are other stars on the trade block. The Heat have been linked to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant on multiple occasions throughout the season.
Additionally, Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden was made available on the trade block, although at this point, he is expected to land with the Cleveland Cavaliers,according to multiple sources.
The Heat could also choose to “run it back” with their current core of center Bam Adebayo, guard Tyler Herro and guard Norman Powell.
Regardless of the decision Pat Riley and the Heat front office make, it’s going to be a hectic next 48 hours for the Heat.