ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that the Miami Heat came closer than any other team to landing Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, but Milwaukee opted to wait until the summer.
"Team sources said the Bucks seriously considered the Heat's offer, which centered on Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, other players and multiple draft picks and pick swaps. Milwaukee contemplated moving forward with Miami on Feb. 4."
The Bucks reportedly let the Heat know on the morning of the deadline (Feb. 5) that they wouldn't accept the offer. More teams should be interested in Antetokounmpo's services over the summer, particularly depending on how the playoffs shake out (I'm looking at you, Houston). Not only that, but teams, like Miami, will have access to more draft capital.
Charania added that the Bucks have "come to terms with the inevitability of a likely deal coming to fruition this offseason." The superstar's relationship with the lone NBA team he's played for has deteriorated this year.
While it's good news for the Heat that it seems we're finally headed toward a trade, what's not so good is that their best chance to land Antetokounmpo is already behind them. More competition for Giannis is only a good thing for Milwaukee.
Bucks "seriously considered" trading Giannis to Heat before deadline
Miami still has several factors working in its favor, including the kind of package that Milwaukee wants. Antetokounmpo will have sway over where he ends up, as he has a player option for the 2027-28 season that he could decline next summer to hit unrestricted free agency. The team that trades for him will want the reassurance that he will sign an extension.
You have to think that he'd be willing to extend with the Heat, not just for the draw of living in South Florida. He'd get to play for the best and most well-respected coach in the league. Going to Miami would give Giannis a real shot at winning a title (being in the East is a bonus!), which is what he wants.
As soon as the Bucks make it official that they're listening to offers for Antetokounmpo, the Heat will still be at the top of the list — if not at the very top.
Fans know better than to get their hopes up, though, after how the past few years have gone, but it's hard not to get excited about a player like Giannis. Charania's latest story adds to the excitement, but it also brings a level of disappointment in a deal not getting done.
Hey, by the time the dust clears, Giannis could be Miami's newest star, but man, it would've been nice to avoid the chaos that's coming this summer, had Milwaukee only accepted the offer. Tyler Herro might've preferred that, too, given that the writing has been on the wall, but at this point, he has to be used to the rumors.