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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 12: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
When the Milwaukee Bucks open up the phone lines for potential Giannis Antetokounmpo offers again, you can bet the Miami Heat will try to get involved.
Leading up to the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Antetokounmpo was by far the most talked-about player in the market. The Bucks were rumored to be open for business, and the Heat were convinced they could pull something off.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks heads for the net as Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks defends at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Ultimately, teams didn’t believe the Bucks were taking offers seriously. As a result, Giannis stayed put in Milwaukee. The relationship between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks seemingly regressed.
Still, there are prominent figures around the league expressing doubt in an Antetokounmpo trade this offseason.
Miami Heat Get Unfortunate Giannis Antetokounmpo Prediction
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Ringer’s Zach Lowe recently dished out details on a Giannis-related conversation he had with a league source.
“I had breakfast with an agent, a very high-powered agent, the other day, and he was like, ‘I’m still betting no trade.’. And I said really?” Lowe explained. “And he said, ‘Just go through the exercise. Who has enough stuff and would be good enough with Giannis Antetokounmpo to contend right away?’”
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 18: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during a game at Fiserv Forum.
The Bucks have had a chance to part ways with Giannis for roughly one year now. They have consistently shown an unwillingness to do it. While the phone lines were open for negotiations, the asking price was well above the market value.
It seems that will remain the case again this summer.
No Harm In Trying
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: Pat Riley speaks to media at Kaseya Center on February 09, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Heat are going to star hunt, and Antetokounmpo will remain the biggest name on the market. There isn’t any harm in trying to take the Bucks’ star out of Milwaukee’s hands.
When it comes to the Heat, it seems anything is on the table, from non-Bam Adebayo players to future draft picks. The Bucks haven’t been too intrigued by Miami’s previously rumored packages, but a lot can change over time.
For the 2026-2027 NBA season, Antetokounmpo is slated to make $58.4 million. He’ll have a player option for $62.7 million in 2027.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
