The Miami Heat may have one asset, which is being overlooked to a certain extent, that could make their offer slightly more enticing than a few of the others currently in pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But it's not Kel'el Ware, or any of the Heat's other young players, that might be making the Heat's offer more intriguing. Instead, it's the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. That's because in a loaded draft like this 2026 class, this is effectively a top 10 selection (value-wise) in most other drafts.
That asset, combined with the others that the Heat could theoretically offer the Milwaukee Bucks, could be exactly what ends up helping them cross the finish line to land Giannis.
Why the Heat's 13th pick could be valuable to the Bucks
If the Bucks are genuinely interested in jump-starting their post-Giannis build in this draft, it would behoove them to find a path to adding another first-round pick. It may not get much better than adding another lottery pick.
And if the Bucks were to have the 10th and 13th pick heading into the NBA Draft, it would give them a few intriguing options.
First, there's a path toward two shots at the barrel here. While the NBA Draft is generally a crapshoot in the eyes of some, having two opportunities to hit on a player in the lottery could be extremely valuable for the Bucks.
If Milwaukee wanted to take a flier on two high-ceiling players in the lottery, accepting the Heat's offer for Giannis would help them accomplish that. But even if the Bucks wanted to jump up, this is a deal that could help them get there.
If there's one specific player that the Bucks believe is a can't-miss prospect, Milwaukee could discuss the potential of packaging the 10th and 13th picks in an attempt to move up. How far they could move up remains to be seen, but the Heat could allow the Bucks to even have the conversation of that possibility.
Can the Heat get a deal across the finish line?
When discussing potential offers that the Bucks may be deciding between, the Heat's 13th pick is often overlooked. While most other future first-round picks aren't a guarantee, the Bucks would at least get one for sure lottery shot with the Heat's offer. And in a very strong draft.
That should count for something, probably in a more significant way than most are realizing.
But again, that doesn't guarantee anything for the Heat until a deal is finally agreed upon. However, it also adds even more credence to the idea that the Heat have a real puncher's chance to win this sweepstakes.
And if the Heat do end up landing Giannis, there's no question that the 13th pick could end up being one of the bigger reasons why.
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