Time is ticking on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks. The June 23 draft, the ideal deadline for Jimmy Haslam and the Milwaukee Bucks, is nearly five weeks away. And one could proclaim that whatever happens with Antetokounmpo will be the first big domino to fall this summer.
It’s safe to say that the Miami Heat are ready to make a sizable splash after another disappointing season. They have eyed Antetokounmpo for at least half a decade, too. But do they have the means to accomplish that, and most importantly, does Antetokounmpo feel the same way? According to an anonymous player poll conducted by The Athletic, where over 150 players were surveyed on several questions, Antetokounmpo’s future was a topic of discussion.
NBA Players predict Giannis will be traded to Heat, if he’s moved at all:
Of the 151 players who tallied their votes, 23.2 percent — 35 players — predicted that the Miami Heat would be the new home for the two-time MVP. That number was second — to only the Milwaukee Bucks, who registered 45.7 percent (69 people) of the vote.
The New York Knicks finished third, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, who heavily pursued Antetokounmpo ahead of the deadline.
- Milwaukee Bucks: 45.7 percent (69)
- Miami Heat: 23.2 percent (35)
- New York Knicks: 16.6 percent (25)
- Los Angeles Lakers: 3.3 percent (5)
- Golden State Warriors: 2 percent (4)
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 2 percent (4)
Among those who have also received the vote are the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
At the end of the day, it will be up to the 10-time All-Star and one-time champion as to where he wants to play. I’ve claimed before that I wouldn’t view Miami as a team with championship aspirations (which he desires), even in a weakened East. But I’m also not Antetokounmpo, obviously.
Health at this stage of his career will be a critical factor in his next team’s success. He only played 36 games with a calf injury and has missed small chunks of time over the last five seasons with myriad lower-body injuries. But Antetokounmpo is still an animal when he’s on the court, finishing top-4 MVP in five-straight seasons before his injury-plagued 2025-26 season.
Do you think the Miami Heat will land Giannis Antetokounmpo? Let us know in the comments!
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See the most recent Post Combine Mock Draft (first & second round) from FANSIDED below.
There are some very interesting prospects in the 10-30 range as well as the mid second round. It sure would be nice if Miami can pick up Detroit’s 2026 21st pick in a trade for Herro and OKC’s 2026 17th pick in exchange for a future first and second rounder. If Miami uses 2026-2027 to develop its young players, it should again be a lottery team in the 2027 draft. That would give Miami a good young core to develop for the future.
2027 Lottery Pick
2026 Lottery Pick (# 13 own)
2026 Lottery Pick (# 17 OKC)
2026 Lottery Pick (# 21 Detroit)
2026 Second RD Pick (own)
Jakucionis
Ware
Larsson
Jaquez
Jovic
Gardner
Holland
Young
Plus Bam* and Mitchell.
*Trading Bam could bring in at least two additional draft picks (possibly lottery picks, depending on the team he is traded to).
https://fansided.com/nba/2026-nba-mock-draft-tracking-the-biggest-risers-and-fallers-from-the-combine?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Send_List:%20FS%20Daily%20-%20Fansided%20NBA%20%7C%20FS%20News%20Alert%20-%20NBA%20-%2020260519
Where our paths diverge is what can the Heat achieve next season. For me, I believe it could be better than this season, and not worse. Even without the Detroit trade, but with the Oklahoma pick, I see this lineup as possible:
Ware, Bam, Wiggins, Simons, Mitchell.
Bench: Morez Johnson (pf/c), Kas, Pelle, Jaquez, Cam Carr (sg/sf),
Jovic, Gardner, Baba Miller (pick 41. Pf/c/sf), Dru.
Simons, Morez Johnson, Cam Carr, Baba Miller? How?
if okc loses i can see a holmgren for giannis trade.rebooting is fine but u can just as easily be the generals char or atl.and mickey will never do that
San Antonio lottery picks currently on roster
How will Miami compete with that?
10 years of no playoffs though whos gonna want that id rather be relevant every year and have a chance with a better gm this one suks ars now
That’s a massive exaggeration. It would not have to be anything near that. They can be as good or better if it’s done right.
I don’t know if there’s a better than San Antonio. It’s hyperbole I know but…
I kinda think the best that can be hoped for is San Antonio after four or five deep playoff runs just needs an off year or year and a half to rest their bodies.
Mediocre is not relevant. You are starting to think like Riley.
SunMan brought up an excellent point recently. With OKC having the #12 pick in the draft, they don’t need, and likely can’t add yet another player with their #17 pick. USA Today confirms that they might not actually use that pick. If the Heat can get that pick for a future first round pick plus a player or future second, they could end up with 2 players like Carr and Morez Johnson, or Philon and Ament, or similar combination. That WOULD be a game changer for the team and they would retain most of their players and assets.
Thanks RC. If we take that a little further, Miami may be able to unload other players for mid-late first round picks (e.g., Herro to Detroit for Beef Stew, Holland and 21st pick might work).
i’ll believe it when i see it
https://www.spotrac.com/news/_/id/3360/miami-heat-2026-offseason-preview
Very insightful article
I mean it’s Riley, so I don’t think they are as unpredictable as the article seems to think. I think we can kiss those draft picks good bye, whether it’s for Giannis, Kawhi or some other aging former super star.
i’ve been saying that for the past three offseasons
I agree. Giannis is a great player, but looking at 22 year old Wemby, plus the other young players on the Spurs, and the equally young makeup of the Thunder, I think going with youth is the best path. They and other similar teams will be competitive for years to come. It will be possible to add 1 B+ to A level player at pick 13, and a B- to B level player at 41. Try to pick up a player like Dosunmu, Carrington, Duren, Mathurin, or Simons. This will result in a better team next season. If that team makes the playoffs, then Charlotte will get a 2027 pick in the 15-20 range, rather than an unprotected pick in 2028. We won’t need to go through years of misery and will develop a competitive young team.
Having said this, I do believe the Heat will go all in for Giannis, but hopefully not other oft injured stars.
Wemby lost half of the season already. It might happen again. OKC will become expensive in a year or two. A lot of east teams are at the end of the road with their rosters (NY, Cleveland, Philly, Boston). In a year or two a lot can be different.
I think its all about how to get the best players you can, and hope for the best.. its just as simple as that.
Running it back is not an option, its a whale chasing or getting young .. its one or another.
…”Miami is a year away from having considerable cap space to rebuild their roster around Adebayo, Jaquez, Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and whoever the team drafts this year. That might mean another down year, but that could come with another lottery pick (the Heat’s 2027 first-round is lottery-protected).
Really, this offseason is about patience vs going all in now. And the path the Heat take will determine a lot of related offseason decisions”….
Miami should go whale hunting up until the draft. If it is unsuccessful, the best route is to try to accumulate as many 1st round picks and young players with potential as possible by summer 2027. At that point, the Heat should have another lottery pick and be in a position to trade for a ss without gutting the team.
Thats a special talent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-BUHAPzWmY
Well, sure, but he didn’t score the basket, haha.
Yes, but he made a career. Currently is playing soccer for Manchester united.
OKC and SA are by far the best teams in the league.
When there is no free throws for flopping, SGA looks like a human again. Wemby still an alien.
Castle at PG has same length as Jimmy Butler and Larsson, 6’6″/8’6″ standing reach. How Reed Sheppard went before him in the draft will never not be amazing/proof that NBA front offices have no idea what they’re doing
Sheppard 7’9.5″ standing reach at SG
He had a triple double, sort of. 17 points, 11 assists, 11 turnovers
High TO game but his passing was on display finding corner shooters. Also threw a lob to Wemby to ice the game not many can throw. Averaging 20/6/5 in playoffs so far. Amazing he fell to #4 but esp. that he was not the #1 guard prospect in 2024 draft
i think harpers better than him,thats a scary thought.do foxes like miami
wemby has all the right answers very well spoken young man with his second language
voice of the spurs coach does he have larangitis.voice doesnt match face.baby face with very very deep scratchy voice.hes got herroitis.rc will get that one
stephon cassel 11 turnovers yikes thats 2 james harden playoff games
this is the nba finals.knicks cavs couldnt hang with these guys.im rooting for nyk though so they dont pursue our next ss
I’m rooting for the Knicks to send Harden home. Again.
he helped get us our first ring rc
Nope. Wade got us that ring.
beard avg 12 pts in the finals versus us those are tyler herro #s
that was the second ring
Fantastic game! 41/24, just crazy!
wata game wow.pats got lots work to do .after wemby retires
Pat will be late 90ish by then.
if hes alive he will still be gm unless he retires on his own.
my generals deserved wemby cheatin spurs at it again.rc not happy with this post i can feel it
No, because I know you know better now.
old adage team with best player usually wins.spurs have best player
luke dort other williams guy not needed pat they would help us
Lu Dort and J Williams #2.
lu dort jjj pelle rankem lebron
One of the greatest performances you would ever want to see
bam versus the generals?lol
kelly olynyks been on 1/2 teams in nba i believe this could be his first ring good for him
pat trade bam for wemby would he dare
He cant trade Herro for a bag of chips, so that one might be a little more difficult.
wemby can play any game pg 2g sf pf c ,he can guard anybody wow might be the best player since lebron arrived
How many 41/24 games did he have? San Antonio won the rebounding battle 61-40. OKC had only 3 players score in double figures (Shai, JDub and Caruso). Starters Holmgren, Hartenstein and Dort scored a combined 15 points.
its da d lebron.no layup zone.its the offense too tall too talented.hes the best thing since u came into the league.
bam for wemby does pat do that or is bam untradeable
Dude, lighten up on the bong.
i gave it up unfortunately not by choice,u dont like my humor mr james?
Thrilla for Manila
in
No, because I meant it for our Manila. Try to catch up.
got ya rc down goes hfl
The great Cosell
hes iconic never be another one like him one of a kind
He was, and his relationship with Ali was one of the best ever in sports.
he was a draw just as much as the fighters or the football games
The Jewish version of Stephen A. Smith
announcer versus loud mouth down goes lebron
wemby logo shot jeeez would pat dare trade bam for wemby lol
carusooooo
u think jjj or pelle would get any pt on these teams rc
These may be two teams that are so deep that the answer may be no. But I really would have to take a look at who are the 8, 9 and 10 players on each.
bams the only guy who would play 25 minutes
Yup. On both. Can always use a tough, fearless 2 way player. Plus both teams have deep benches and the coaches are not afraid to use all the tools in their bags.
sga might be the quickest guy in nba and hes like 6 5 i believe theres hope for jaco
There are a few others. Maxey is one of them.
dav is up there to but hes a pass first guy that needs to chaange little bit btw
Yes, two great superstars
6 5 pg think u left him off your list
Not sure what you are talking about
i said all good pgs in nba are around 6 2 6 3 besides magic
And I gave you a whole long list that disproves that
yes i believe you left sga off list
I did? My bad. Very bad.
hes #2 all time behind mj
Shai is 6’6” by the way
wemby holmgren looks like joker bam
harpers gonna be a perennial all star
If you think the Heat with Giannis can compete with either team n a 7 game series without Jaquez, Herro, Ware, plus who knows who, I have a bridge I want to sell you.
not next year 28 maybe
How?
have andy ellesburg work some creative cap space magic. bring in a ray allen type shooter.mike miller type shane battier.add on to strong foundation weve done it before lebron
Two great teams
george kittle front row seats big okc fan
Quite a battle
thats a flagrant
wemby runs over vanilla caruso dum
spurs look like the better team. i think they win in 5 or 6
So when I picked them to go to wcf and you said they need another year or two, I guess I wasn’t wrong. Now that’s not to say the Spurs will win this, I still think it’s gonna be a long series. Two excellent teams..
no fox either
They’re going to need him in this series for sure
holmgren overrated i believe
sga 2 time mvp wemby clearly best player in nba joker 2 greek 3
Its because of socmed chatter people, or players in particular are inclined, or say influenced to say Heat is Giannis destination. Then Heat fans will be disappointed if it does not happen coz they too have been brainwashed with those same chatter. Sad life. Sad Heat fan life lol
Interesting trade proposal from Fadeawy World. There’s something for everybody…
Golden State Warriors receive: Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal
Los Angeles Clippers receive: Jimmy Butler, 2026 Washington Wizards No.1 pick
Washington Wizards receive: 2026 Memphis Grizzlies No. 3 pick, 2029 Indiana Pacers’ first-round pick (via Clippers)
Memphis Grizzlies receive: 2026 Indiana Pacers No. 5 pick, 2026 Golden State Warriors No. 11 pick
This trade is absolute chaos. And honestly, every team has a legitimate reason to consider it.
wheres the heat in this
Where they always are, on the outside looking in. My point was the names and high lottery picks involved.
put the pipe down u can fantasize million trade ideas,lets concentrate on reality not fantasy.sorry lebron great trade idea.
Interesting comment regarding OKC’s 17th pick. There will still be several players still available by then and Thunder may be willing to trade it for a future first round pick. Miami should consider approaching OKC about trading a pick in a future year.
NBA Mock Draft 6.0: The latest projections with intel from the Draft Combine (Yahoo Sports)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via via Philadelphia)
Morez Johnson, 6-9, Michigan sophomore forwardThere’s a lot of speculation around the NBA that the Thunder will look to trade this pick for future firsts since they already have 15 players under contract for next season, plus the 12th pick — which was Mara in this mock. But over the next two years, eight players will hit free agency. Maybe OKC could get ahead of that with trades this summer. But the priorities won’t change: Surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will require the type of guys who are critical to playing championship basketball. That’s Morez Johnson. He transferred from Illinois to Michigan and became the connective tissue of the national champions as a 251-pound wrecking ball with surprisingly soft hands and the defensive IQ to guard 1 through 5 in a switch-heavy scheme. He’s not quite big enough to be a true center and not yet proven enough as a shooter to guarantee he spaces the floor. But even without a jumper, Johnson has a long future ahead of him. And if there’s any team that can fix a jumper, it’s the Thunder.
The article brought me down more than encouraged me once I read the whole thing. All the teams mentioned just reminded me of what a bidding war this may become. And even though the headline does explain the situation accurately, the headline fooled me a little. More people still expect Giannis to return to his team. And that is a different story then from some who say he is as good as gone. And, lastly, does anyone remember these same things all being said just maybe 3-4 months ago?
They did this poll 1-2 months ago while the regular season was still going on. Before Haslams comments that the situation will be resolved by the draft etc
There are annual speculations about Miami trying to bag one player or another. (e.g., KD, Lillard, Holiday, etc.). Miami seems to piss away every summer trying to harpoon a whale. Meanwhile, because Heat management has no plan b, the team misses out on acquiring players who eventually decide to go elsewhere.
I wish the Heat would shoot for a difference maker who they can acquire without gutting the roster of so many assets (young rotation players as well as future draft picks and pick swaps).
Yep. Same sh*t. Different day. Not mentioned in stories like this is the fact teams might be trying to derail ss trades to Miami coz they know Heat will be a dangerous team like a few seasons ago. But that’s just me and my conspiracy theories haha!
They hate being labeled the latest GM who got skinned by shyster Riley.
Only 14 players have won back to back MVPs in NBA history, Giannis is one of them. The opportunity to trade for that level player in their prime or close to it basically never happens, it’s once in a decade or more. Lebron was the last to change teams in 2018 at age 33. Nash did in 2012 but he was past his prime at 38.
Heat in 2019 were not viewed as a contender with the Butler trade and it was criticized for that reason. But if that level of player is available, it’s a no brainer to try to get them, and as good as Butler was with the Heat Giannis is on a different level. Butler is a 5x All-NBA player, four 3rd team and one 2nd team. Giannis is a 9x All-NBA player, including 7 consecutive 1st team All-NBA until this past season.
from 2019
the Heat should hold off on making a move for Butler, because, frankly, they aren’t good enough even with him to be any kind of threat in the East.
the question has to be asked: How long will Butler remain an elite player?
the Heat didn’t have any other options for bringing in a player that can reverse what is starting to be some pretty bad momentum in Miami.
GRADE: B
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jimmy-butler-trade-grades-heat-get-their-star-sixers-get-josh-richardson-in-four-team-deal-with-blazers-clippers/
playoff jimmy was a top 5 player i would say.playoff greek ditto.get his ars asap no brainer.ship spo up there to
when u sell off greek your starting from the bottom give them picks and 3 youngens ware pelle jjj.call it a day we have dav bam greek wig norm thats not enough need little more ,very doable next year to add and be ready for wemby in 28
…”we have dav bam greek wig norm thats not enough need little more ,very doable next year to add and be ready for wemby in 28″…
Dude, those 5 players would cost Miami over $180M. The Heat would have to spend less than $21M to avoid going over the Luxury Tax limit, less than $29M to go over the First apron and less than $42M to go over the second apron.
$21M divided by 10 players = $2.1M per player.
$29M divided by 10 players = $2.9M per p;layer
$42M divided by 10 players = $4.2M per player.
Luxury Tax: $201 million (The threshold where teams begin paying a tax per dollar spent over the limit).
First Apron: $209 million (A hard spending tier that triggers roster restrictions, such as the inability to acquire players via sign-and-trade).
Second Apron: $222 million (A punitive hard spending ceiling that eliminates almost all trade and free-agent flexibility, including the use of exceptions and the inability to trade future first-round picks).
mr leonard mr adebayo mr greek we have less than 21 million $ to spend would u mind chopping 10 mil off your contracts to dethrone wemby and okc?any say yes?
No! Now what?
50 mil to 40 mil whats 10 mil
Herro wants at least $40M per?
a do u think greeks a heater
b kawhi
c neither
d both
Kawhi or neither.
if we get greek id be one happy camper dont care who we give up just keep either bam or ware everybody else very very tradeable.fastest way to knock the wemby empire down.i’ll worry about post greek when time comes but those eric reid rc posts and sm posts will be easier to read.this is to good to be true.or is it .i was in athens few years ago if we get him ill plan another trip there
I’m concerned about what assets the Heat will need to give up to get Giannis and what kind of team it will be able to afford to build around him and Bam. It would be great if Jovic could be included in the trade.
With no Ware, no back-up big, possibly no scoring from Herro, Powell or Wiggins and no first round draft picks the next few years, it isn’t clear to me what the team’s path forward will be to become a true championship contender. I’m curious what the projected rotation will look like.
powelwigg above avg players on good teams bench playersl
I wouldn’t worry about his injury history.