Dust around the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes may have finally settled, and from the rubble, the Miami Heat are understood to have emerged as the favorites to sign the Milwaukee Bucks superstar. After missing out on a number of superstar signings in recent years, the Heat may already be working on further increasing their chances to land the Greek Freak.
Recent reports claim that Miami are looking into the free agent signing of none other than Giannis’ former teammate, Khris Middleton, per Heavy. Reporter Ethan Skolnick said the following about the rumors, with the signing expected to play a major role in convincing Giannis to join the Heat as well.
“I’ll just say this. I think there’s a lot of guys who will slip to the minimum. I think one guy for instance, I think you can just guarantee Khris Middleton is going to be here. He is exactly the type of player the Heat add towards the end of their career,” he wrote.
Miami were understood to be one of the only few teams that were favored by Giannis, with the New York Knicks also mentioned as a preferred destination. However, Antetokounmpo previously won the 2021 championship for the Bucks alongside Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
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Further, he has also previously stated an appreciation for Miami’s lifestyle and the perks that come with playing for the Heat. Further, Middleton is not expected to be a difficult signing.
Currently a free agent, his most recent team was the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 10 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 29 games, 16 of which he started. Regardless, the Bucks have been reported to be looking to finally ‘pull the trigger’ on the trade of their biggest superstar, and a decision can be expected to be made in the coming weeks.
For that to happen, of course, the Heat will first have to come up with the right package, which has been the biggest stumbling block with respect to the move thus far.
Dust around the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes may have finally settled, and from the rubble, the Miami Heat are understood to have emerged as the favorites to sign the Milwaukee Bucks superstar. After missing out on a number of superstar signings in recent years, the Heat may already be working on further increasing their chances to land the Greek Freak.