As the Miami Heat continues to explore avenues in how to get back in the star-hunting game, there's one natural path that could help get them there. It revolves around Giannis Antetokounpo quickly coming to a realization that the rest of the NBA already knows - that the Milwaukee Bucks have no shot to win a title this season, and probably beyond. It's certainly something the Heat have to be praying and hoping for at this point.
Whether that's a smart "plan" remains to be seen, but it's certainly one potential path that could arise for the Heat over the next 10 months. And it could be part of the reason why the Heat refrained from making any big moves this offseason.
The idea is that if Giannis comes to the realization that the Bucks aren't close to contending for a title in the Eastern Conference that he may be more willing to explore a potential trade demand. If that were to happen, the Heat would likely be near the top of his list of preferred destinations.
Why the Bucks may be stuck
Even after acquiring Myles Turner this offseason, the decision to stretch and waive Damian Lillard truly puts the Bucks against the eight-ball for the next few seasons. Milwaukee will have to accept a $22 million cap hit of "dead money" for the next five seasons.
On top of that, the Bucks don't have a ton of additional flexibility due to the fact that they don't have any control over their NBA Draft future until 2031. It's incredibly difficult, and perhaps downright impossible, to improve the roster without draft capital in the modern NBA.
Milwaukee does get some financial flexibility in a couple of years, when Kyle Kuzma's contract comes off the books, but I'm not sure if Giannis is willing to be that patient. At the very least, the Bucks' front office will have to be surgical in their attempts to continue to improve this roster around Giannis.
Why the Heat could be a lifesaver for Giannis
That's why a team like the Heat could emerge as an attractive option for Giannis, should he explore options away from the Bucks in the future. Miami is a prime destination city for Giannis, a place where he could successfully recruit, and play for a front office and head coach that has a proven track record.
Plus, if the Heat could find a way to pair Giannis and Bam Adebayo, it would immediately be one of the best duos in the NBA.
The Heat has a little more financial flexibility in their future, especially after this upcoming season, and much more control of their draft future (though, much of that will probably be squeezed in a potential Giannis deal).
With the latest whispers that Giannis could still be evaluating his future with the Bucks, the Heat have to be praying that he does have a sudden awakening about his situation. And beyond that, that he would be open to a trade to the Heat.