At this point, we’re counting the days until the 2026 NBA Draft, which is officially five days away. The Miami Heat own the No. 13 pick, as well as the No. 41 pick. But it most importantly marks the deadline the Milwaukee Bucks set on dealing Giannis Antetokounmpo.
For weeks (and even months/years), the Miami Heat have been haggling the Bucks for their superstar forward. Even though the Bucks are attempting to play hard-ball with their self-imposed deadline (from their owner, mind you), the two-time MVP is expected to be dealt by the draft.
If the Heat did acquire Antetokounmpo, they would be sending their first-round draft pick in the deal. It wouldn’t be made official until the moratorium ends on July 6, though the Heat would essentially be making the pick for Milwaukee.
Neither side has agreed to a deal, clearly. But according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bucks — who also own the No. 10 overall pick — are already acting as if that’s the case.
“League sources say that Milwaukee has very much been carrying itself like a franchise in recent days that expects to have the No. 13 selection as well as its own No. 10 pick,” Fischer’s report read. “The Bucks, of course, can only make a selection at No. 13 if they acquire that pick from Miami as part of an Antetokounmpo trade.”
Understandably so, the Bucks are in the hunt for more first-round draft capital in this year’s draft. Fischer reported Tuesday that Milwaukee is signaling to rival teams that they plan to have “as many as three first-round picks” in next week’s draft.
The Heat only have three tradable first-round picks, including their 13th overall selection. While adding Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and a combination of Pelle Larsson, Kasparas Jakucionis and Nikola Jovic, finding a third first-round pick may be easier said than done.
However, two top-13 picks, at the very least, is a great floor.
Nevertheless, their extensive search for draft capital makes their recent media ploy to push back their deadline even more silly. Under this regime, the Bucks have been abhorrent in the draft. But any chance they have to add cheap, cost-controlled talent post-Giannis should be a priority.
A lot can change over the next five days. What we do know is that Miami won’t leave the dinner table, no matter how small their plate gets, for Antetokounmpo. Who caves first?
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Bucks are reportedly acting as if they will have Heat’s pick in draft
- Heat still “most likely” destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo despite conflicting rumors
- East contender arises as potential suitor for Tyler Herro
- Insider claims Giannis Antetokounmpo is ‘focused’ on joining Heat
- Why Heat should target this 2026 NBA Champion in free agency
- Miami Heat’s best move in the 2026 NBA draft is painfully obvious
- Why evaluators are split on Heat’s ‘momentum’ for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks have had plenty of time to weigh all offers, request more sweeteners, or to decide to keep Giannis (least likely). When the 13th pick is chosen, we may have a better idea if the pick was for them or us. Or there may simply be a deal in place that will be announced, then finalized July 6. Fasten your seat belts.
5 stinkin days………..