(Mandatory credit: Getty Images)
The Miami Heat trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly close to being a done deal at the trade deadline. In a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, he iterated that the Milwaukee Bucks “seriously considered” the Heat’s offer, which was built around Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, salary filler and multiple draft picks:
“Team sources said the Bucks seriously considered the Heat’s offer, which centered on Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, other players and multiple draft picks and pick swaps.”
“Milwaukee contemplated moving forward with Miami on Feb. 4. Ownership, however, believed the best move would be to hold on to [Giannis] Antetokounmpo and receive better offers in the summer. The Bucks informed the Heat on the morning of Feb. 5 that they would not accept a deal.”
— Shams Charania
Ultimately, Milwaukee decided to hold off on pulling the trigger on any Antetokounmpo blockbuster midseason and reassess in the summer, where they are hopeful to get stronger offers for the former two-time league MVP.
In recent weeks, the relationship between the Bucks and Giannis has continued to pave a way for an inevitable divorce. Milwaukee has attempted to shut down the superstar after a series of different injuries since the start of this season. The Bucks have been eliminated from play-in contention weeks ago, and have had nothing to play for except improving their draft lottery odds. However, that hasn’t been sitting well with Antetokounmpo.
He has made several public remarks giving push back on the team’s intentions of shutting him down— claiming that he is healthy enough to play and isn’t interested in any “tanking” that the franchise is trying to do.
The Miami Heat are still well positioned to be a major Giannis suitor again this offseason.
As frustrating as it could sound to Heat fans to brace themselves for yet another Pat Riley star chase— despite the front offices recent track record of getting those types of deals done— another pursuit for Antetokounmpo will almost certainly be in the cards in the coming months.
A while back, Miami Herald insider Barry Jackson confirmed that notion: “The Heat hears the angry fans and understands… It’s why another attempt at Antetokounmpo will be made this summer, according to a source.”
In that same piece, Jackson noted that Miami did all they could to try and acquire Antetokounmpo for a playoff push this season at the deadline. Unfortunately, the Bucks had a last minute change of heart, which was out of the Heat’s control. They put all their eggs in one basket and came out of that deadline completely empty handed as the only team in the entire Eastern Conference to make zero moves.
But now, the Giannis-Bucks relationship is at the highest boiling point that it’s ever been, which has already been rocky for several years now.
It’s seemed like it’s not a matter on if Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee finally part ways, but just when.
And now with it leaking that the Bucks were legitimately considering taking Miami’s offer a few months back, that potential framework could be strengthened even more if Riley and company circles back once again. The Heat only had two tradeable first-round draft picks in February. Now, that figure is doubled to four tradeable firsts plus pick swaps to sweeten any deal.
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Everytime the year about to end and fans are showing their displeasure and here we are again. The bs pipe dream trade scenario and this team almost dealt said player to Mia. Article by a paid spokesperson for micky and Pat
Delete
I don’t think that roster is better than a 5 seed.
This is the first time I believe this can really happen.
milw looking for best offer.
Really? Do you know which teams have the best offer? Do you know what the Heat can offer and how it compares to others?
i dont but common sense u do whats best for your team hope heat offers bam ty jjj that might get it done. norm wiggy ware greek ja id go to war with that team it would beat current heat team.just get some athletic guys in draft or thru trades