Miami Heat fans have been hoping that Giannis Antetokounmpo will make the move from Milwaukee to South Beach, a dream that grew even closer to becoming reality after what Shams Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday. The insider said that the superstar's frustration is at "an all-time high," saying that it's reached a different level from what it was in the offseason.
The Bucks are 18-25, 11th in the East, a game and a half out of the final play-in tournament spot, and six games back from the automatic playoff berth spot. As Charania reiterated, Giannis wants to compete for a second title, a desire he's made apparent. It's become even more evident that he won't be able to do so in Milwaukee.
A week ago, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Heat's "dream scenario" is acquiring Giannis over the summer when they have more draft capital to offer. It's why Miami wants to hold onto the assets it has now because the front office is well aware that the superstar could hit the market.
Based on what Charania said, it sounds like there is a chance that Giannis could become available before the deadline. Either way, it doesn't sound like he'll sign an extension in Milwaukee.
"Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it very clear that he wants to compete for championships..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2026
That isn't what has transpired in Milwaukee this season..
The Bucks and Giannis have major decisions to make the next two weeks" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive https://t.co/bDiNEFCXTk pic.twitter.com/i42KJ3LZgz
Giannis is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with the Bucks
The Giannis trade speculation has been ongoing for a while now, but unlike now, Milwaukee has been able to make the kind of trade that would convince him to stay. Although the Bucks don't have the assets to make a pre-deadline splash, they've still positioned themselves as buyers at the deadline, hoping to make another championship run with their face of the franchise.
Believe it or not, but the odds of that happening are lower than the odds of Miami landing Giannis in a trade, and that's not an exaggeration. The Bucks are stuck in a rough spot, one of their own making, and as a result, the next big domino to fall could be the star's departure.
Giannis would have to request a trade before the deadline to be moved, and even then, there would be no guarantee that it would happen. The problem is that he told The Athletic earlier this month that it isn't in his nature to ask for a trade (subscription required). Something has got to give.
Miami's front office, along with just about every other front office in the league, has been following this situation closely. Giannis has had the Heat's attention, and after what Shams said, that's even more true.