The Miami Heat could be the perfect landing spot for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to be traded either before the Feb. 5 deadline or in the offseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo More Likely To Sign Extension With Heat
A large factor in where Antetokounmpo ends up is whether the two-time MVP would sign a contract extension with his new team, as his current contract can end after next season.
Giannis remains under contract through 2027-28, but he can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Heat hold the advantage among trade suitors.
“Miami would definitely have to be a team that you would think he would sign long-term with. With that being said, [the Heat] have to go all-in — whatever that looks like,” Haynes said.
"Miami would definitely have to be a team that you would think he would sign long-term with"@ChrisBHaynes on why the Heat are a team to monitor in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions with @talkhoops
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Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, starting on Oct. 1, 2026, Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season.
If moved, he’d be able to sign the same deal with another team six months after a trade.
In terms of a potential trade framework, Jake Fischer and Marc Stein provided some insight.
“The Heat’s best offer is presumed to be a package headlined by Wisconsin native Tyler Herro, rising big man Ke’lel Ware, and tradeable first-round picks in 2030 and 2032,” they wrote.
Bucks Listening To Offers For Giannis
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Antetokounmpo has been preparing for a new home either this season by next Thursday’s trade deadline or over the summer.
Sources told ESPN that Giannis has informed the Bucks for months that “he believes the moment has come to part ways” after spending the last 12-plus years together.
Charania noted that multiple teams have received a sense that Milwaukee is “more open than ever to Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline.”
“The franchise is starting to listen,” the NBA insider said.
However, Milwaukee reportedly has indicated to interested teams that it will be willing to put a deal on hold until the price point of “young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks” is met, per Charania.
Charania previously reported that the Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors “are among the serious suitors” for Antetokounmpo.
Through 30 appearances this season, Giannis is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 29.2 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from deep.
Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf injury, and Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Monday there is “really no timetable” for his return.
