Heat viewed as frontrunner in Giannis sweepstakes; Cavs remain team to watch

The Heat continue to be viewed by many around the NBA as the frontrunner for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. But according to recent reporting, the Cavaliers remain one of several wild-card teams worth monitoring if Milwaukee eventually decides to move the two-time MVP.

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report and The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm have all identified Miami as the team most frequently linked to Antetokounmpo as the Bucks continue evaluating their future.

In fact, Amick and Nehm reported that many league executives, agents and other insiders still believe the two-time MVP could ultimately land with the Heat if Milwaukee decides to make him available.

According to The Athletic, Miami believed it came close to acquiring Antetokounmpo before February’s trade deadline, only for the Bucks to ultimately stand pat.

That belief has helped fuel ongoing speculation that the Heat remain one of the most aggressive potential suitors.

A possible Miami package would likely center on All-Star guard Tyler Herro, promising young center Kel’el Ware, forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 13 overall pick in this month’s draft and future first-round selections.

Whether that would be enough remains uncertain.

The Bucks are believed to be seeking either a blue-chip young player or a massive collection of draft assets in any potential deal.

That’s one reason teams such as the Cavaliers, Magic and Celtics continue to be mentioned as possible wild cards.

The Cavs, however, are reportedly unwilling to part with Evan Mobley, while a Celtics package would likely require Jaylen Brown. Orlando would probably need to build an offer around Paolo Banchero.

Meanwhile, Fischer expressed skepticism that teams such as the Thunder, Warriors, Rockets and Timberwolves are serious contenders at this stage.

There are also questions about fit.

An Antetokounmpo-Bam Adebayo pairing would give Miami one of the NBA’s most imposing defensive frontcourts, though spacing could become a concern offensively.

Nothing appears imminent at the moment. But as the offseason rolls on and the draft approaches, the Heat continue to be the team most closely connected to the biggest name on the market.