Heat emerging as frontrunner in Giannis trade sweepstakes

The Heat continue to be viewed as one of the most aggressive suitors for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Speaking Monday on ESPN’s Get Up, Brian Windhorst identified Miami as “the team to watch” as speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future continues to intensify.

According to Windhorst, the Heat have several assets they could include in a potential trade package, including All-Star guard Tyler Herro and the No. 13 overall pick in this month’s NBA Draft.

“There’s more checkmarks on Miami,” Windhorst said.

Reports from The Athletic have previously indicated that Miami could also offer young center Kel’el Ware, forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. and future first-round picks in a deal for the two-time MVP.

Of course, any team pursuing Antetokounmpo faces a significant challenge.

The Bucks star is under contract for next season and holds a player option for 2027-28, meaning prospective trade partners will want confidence that he intends to remain long-term.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee is reportedly hoping to gain clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future before the NBA Draft on June 23.

Windhorst also downplayed the possibility of the Thunder breaking up their young core to acquire Antetokounmpo, saying Oklahoma City continues to signal that it intends to keep Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

He likewise expressed skepticism that the Celtics are prepared to move Jaylen Brown.