Miami Heat Rumors: What to make of latest Giannis Antetokounmpo report

The Miami Heat have been tied to Giannis Antetokoumpo for some time now. There was a confirming report released recently though.

The Miami Heat are a team that is built to keep on winning. When you consider the pieces that they have in place, they are a team that isn’t built on any fancy principles, just hard work and doing your job every day to the fullest.

When you think about the fact that Pat Riley is the man running the show, then it all becomes just that much clearer. Riles has shown the ability to be able to get his guy.

It’s a proven fact. Do we need to go back to 2010… anyone?

In any event, the Miami Heat have been tied to certain players for over a year now. One of those players is none other than the two time reigning MVP, Greece’s, Nigeria’s, and Milwaukee’s very own… Giannis Antetokoumpo.

Here’s the thing though. We as fans, followers, and coverers of the Miami Heat have seen these breadcrumbs on the trail for quite a while.

The Miami Heat are already one of the best teams in the league. This latest report serves to only add to that legend and their roster of talent.

From the friendships he shares with some of the players, to the mentality he has, to his desire for winning, to the connections between him and some of the Miami Heat’s star players, like him and Bam sharing an agent, there has always been strong linkage betwixt the two sides.

Now, we have a report from one of the foremost news breakers in the business. Here is a quote from a Thursday piece by The Athletic’s (subscription required)  Shams Charania.

"Rival teams are monitoring Adebayo’s extension situation and the aftereffects if Miami bypasses extending their superstar big man. Miami is preparing to go all in on the pursuit of Milwaukee’s two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021 free agency, sources said. There is a school of thought that salary-wise, waiting on Adebayo’s extension would allow for as much space as possible for 2021. But given Adebayo’s presence, leadership and meaning to the Heat franchise, this is a straight-forward conversation between team executives and Adebayo’s agent, Alex Saratsis: A max extension this offseason or not."

Listen. Here’s what to make of this.

Nothing. It’s nothing new for us that follow the Miami Heat.

We have seen this very writing on the wall and maneuvering happening since day 1. Does anybody remember when Pat Riley told Jimmy Butler that he “was making him dream” after they were dominating their series over the Milwaukee Bucks?

That was a reference aimed directly at Giannis Antetokoumpo. Does it make sense now?

In any event, we hope it happens, as the Miami Heat would then be shoo-ins as title contenders. Until then, we’ll just keep watching them grind.