The Miami Heat Have a Backup Plan If Giannis Antetokounmpo Stays Put
Giannis Antetokounmpo holds the key to future plans for several NBA teams. If he signs the supermax deal and remains with the Milwaukee Bucks, those teams will resort to Plan B. If he decided to become a free agent in a year, they’ll come gunning for him. The Miami Heat are already in Plan B mode.
There’s been talk about Giannis signing his supermax soon
According to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, there was a lot of “chatter” that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks would be planning to sign his supermax deal with the team before the Dec. 21 deadline. According to NBC Sports, he could still not sign before Dec. 21 and still have a future in Milwaukee. The five-year supermax with the same terms would still be available during free agency of 2021.
Of course, if Antetokounmpo doesn’t sign by the Dec. 21 deadline, that leaves the Bucks in a tough position. They would then have to begin their plans for trying to get something for their star via trade if he did intend to bolt after the 2020-21 season. If Antetokounmpo’s true plans are to remain in Milwaukee, the deal should be signed by Dec. 21.
In mid-November, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, according to NBA Sports, said, “He has about a month to decide on his supermax. I think he’s going to decide a lot sooner, and I think there’s a lot of warmth in Milwaukee right now. I’ll just leave it at that.”
The Miami Heat would likely be all in on Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Miami Heat, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, aren’t satisfied. They are one Giannis Antetokounmpo away from becoming the clear-cut favorite in the Eastern Conference. For the last year, rumors have been swirling that they have significant interest in bringing him in.
According to Sports Illustrated, Heat president Pat Riley knows his team needs to make a move to take that next step. “If there’s a next thing that can take us to another level, I’m open to it,” Riley said last month. Bringing on a two-time MVP would certainly help. Miami was seeded fifth in the East last year. Riley has been watching many of the teams in the conference improve with offseason moves.
“Can we get through the Eastern Conference next year with what’s happening in Philadelphia,” Riley said. “Or what’s going to happen in Milwaukee or Brooklyn or Boston? We already know Boston’s got their team together and three first-round picks. Toronto? There’s a lot of very good teams. That’s was the question I kick around in my mind … are we good enough? Or do we need to get around to the next thing earlier.”
The Miami Heat apparently have a Plan B
Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be the primary target for the Miami Heat should he leave the Milwaukee Bucks. With rumors popping up that Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, may remain in Milwaukee, the Heat are ready to refocus. According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Heat may be focusing on an Eastern Conference shooting guard.
Jackson writes: If Giannis Antetokounmpo signs a max extension with the Bucks, Washington guard Bradley Beal becomes the No. 1 Heat target if or when he becomes available. The Heat’s interest remains very high, according to a source with direct knowledge. Jackson goes on to say that a move for Beal would likely cost rookie Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and a first-round pick – a very high price to pay.
It’s clear Antetokounmpo is No. 1 on the Heat list, followed by Beal, whom the Wizards don’t seem overly anxious to trade. Jackson went on to say that if Antetokounmpo and Beal aren’t available, the Heat may go after Victor Oladipo if he returns to his old form. In any case, the Miami Heat look like they’re ready to make a move.
