Apr 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before the game against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Miami Heat are one of the league’s frontrunners in the pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Some people are starting to claim that the Heat’s trade package is better than any other club pursuing Antetokounmpo in free agency. Recently, NBA insider Zach Lowe said the Heat have an advantage over teams with more draft picks to offer, like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lowe discussed it on a podcast with media figure Bill Simmons.
“At least if I’m Milwaukee, and I trade him to Miami or Golden State, at least I’m receiving selections where I have some expectation that I can bet against that club being successful, and some of these picks may be valuable,” Lowe explained. Even with the lottery rules changing, and even if I rob Oklahoma City, there’s no way I can predict those selections are any good.
The Thunder have numerous draft selections to sell. To Lowe’s point, there’s no promise that those players will succeed. At the very least, the Bucks understand what they’re getting into with the Heat’s offer.
The Heat could easily combine Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. , and a pick to acquire Antetokounmpo. Herro is a one-time All-Star and former Sixth Man of the Year. Jaquez was one of this season’s finest reserves, while Ware is still a work in progress. Those three alone provide the Bucks a strong core to build around following Antetokounmpo’s departure.
In exchange, the Heat will pair Antetokounmpo with forward Bam Adebayo. That would provide them one of the league’s top frontcourts. It also produces a Big Three of Adebayo, Antetokounmpo, and Norman Powell Jr. (assuming they can keep them in free agency). That trio should allow them to compete with teams like the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference.
Only one more month until this speculation ends.
