As the Miami Heat look to build on their three-game winning streak, they'll also have the unique opportunity to send a strong message to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the process. When Miami visits the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, Giannis will seemingly have a front seat to it all.
The Heat will have the opportunity to showcase themselves to Giannis directly before they head into the offseason for what they hope to be a second chance at the superstar forward. Miami could leave a lasting impression on Giannis - and the Bucks' front office - if they're able impress in this second-to-last regular season meeting between the two teams.
In the Heat's first meeting against the Bucks, Miami walked away with a three-point win. Giannis didn't play in that game either for the Bucks, and, interestingly enough, it was one of the few games this season that the Heat were healthy for.
Giannis will be out again for the Bucks on Tuesday night, and the Heat are going to be as close to completely healthy as they've been all season long.
The Heat are hoping for a second shot at Giannis this summer
It will only help the Heat if they continue to play good basketball (especially in their bid for a playoff spot), but what they're truly hoping for over the next few months is a genuine second shot at Giannis.
Miami was unable to pry Giannis away from the Bucks at the NBA Trade Deadline, but there's some optimism that the circumstances this summer could help change the result this time around.
For one, the Heat are expected to have more assets (draft capital) to include in a deal for Giannis. When the new league year arrives, the Heat could have as many as four future first-round picks to trade.
Perhaps most importantly, the Bucks could be more motivated to trade Giannis than ever before if he makes it clear that he's not going to sign a long-term contract extension with the team. Giannis is eligible for a supermax extension this summer, and if he signals that he wants to test free agency in 2027 instead, the Bucks would have no option but to trade Giannis at that point.
It's then that the Heat's chances of landing Giannis could get real.
Miami can't add Giannis to their roster when they see him face-to-face Tuesday night, but a strong performance could help keep the Heat in the back of his mind. And, in the offseason, if he does opt for a change of scenery, Miami could be one of the options near the top of his wishlist of landing spots.