The Miami Heat must close on Giannis Antetokounmpo. With a great opportunity to finally land a competent co-star next to Bam Adebayo, they can't afford to blow it now.
And even though all the recent reporting seems to be moving in their direction, there's still no guarantee they'll be able to close on a deal for Giannis. The Heat and Milwaukee Bucks seemingly are still far apart in negotiations, and I wouldn't encourage Miami to keep playing this game of chicken with a front office that may already feel like they don't have much else to lose.
But that's not the only danger in playing this high-stakes game with the Bucks. Let's also not forget the vibes Bam was giving out toward the end of the season.
The Heat need to make Giannis happen for Bam
By season's end, Bam was frustrated and tired with the Heat's mediocrity, and it got to the point where he was beginning to vocalize it. It culminated with a quote that should be part of the Heat's front office's motivation this offseason.
"I don’t wanna be in this (expletive) no more. We’re better than being in the play-in for the last 4 years."
That was shortly after the NBA Trade Deadline. We all know how the season would end, with the Heat in the Play-In Tournament once again. This time, the Heat would lose to the Charlotte Hornets in the first game.
But the fact that Bam was finally willing to say in publically speaks to the real frustration that he may be feeling within. The hope is that those days are long behind them. If they are, it will largely be because the Heat made a splash acquisition this summer.
With all eyes on Giannis, it's time for the Heat to close.
The Heat can't mess around in negotiations
Even though both the Heat and Bucks are trying to save face in negotiations for Giannis, the former is one that can't afford to get too "cute." Especially with how they've mishandled a few negotiations in the past, the Heat don't have the luxury of moving on.
Miami needs to get Giannis. And the Bucks know that.
So, sure, the Heat can do their haggling all they want, but only up to a certain extent. Because if Miami isn't able to land Giannis, it's hard to imagine what a successful pivot would look like this summer. Especially one that would appease both the fans and Bam.
Quite frankly, I'm not sure there is one that doesn't involve Giannis.
With a golden opportunity in front of them, the Heat can't make this more complicated than it is. Go get Giannis. Make the fan base happy, and finally deliver for Bam.
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