The Miami Heat’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo starts with the premature end of the Milwaukee Bucks’ season.
Quite possible the biggest takeaway from Game 5 for the Miami Heat and rest of the NBA, is that the free agency “chase” for Giannis Antetokounmpo begins now.
He’s signed on with the Milwaukee Bucks through just one more season, so every team around the league will be waiting patiently for any and all news related to the Greek Freak and extension talks, or lack thereof. Especially Pat Riley and this Heat front office.
With his team eliminated from the playoffs, the Bucks will now prepare to offer the forward a supermax extension when free agency opens; whenever that is. If he declines to sign before the season’s start, it’s hard to see Antetokounmpo playing out the 2020-2021 season in Milwaukee.
Miami has long been speculated as the top destination for the reigning MVP, should he get to free agency, or if Milwaukee elects to trade him before he can board a plane to South Beach. Their having been the reason his season is over will only serve as gasoline to the rumor flame.
It’s worth noting that after the game, Antetokounmpo seemed optimistic and committed to a future in Milwaukee. But this is the NBA, and we’ve heard that story before. Until he signs an extension or concretely demands a trade, he’ll be considered “open season” by NBA executives.
The Miami Heat will now sit and wait out the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors series to see who they’ll play in the Conference Finals. The two teams are playing in Game 6 on Wednesday night, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 pm EST.