Giannis–Heat: the trade scenarios

Rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo are becoming increasingly persistent. Since the ESPN report emerged suggesting a possible end to the relationship between the Greek star and the Milwaukee Bucks, the name of the Miami Heat (who are also evaluating Ja Morant) keeps coming up as one of the most credible destinations.

This time it was Zach Lowe, on The Lowe Show, who explained what kind of offer Miami could realistically put together:

If Miami really wants to get in the race, Kel’el Ware is the first name that has to be on the table. There’s no negotiation possible

Zach Lowe

The big man selected 15th in the 2024 Draft is one of the most intriguing prospects on the roster: 11.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, steady defensive impact, and a very team-friendly contract for over two and a half years.

Tyler Herro and the weight of the contracts: the real financial hurdle

For Lowe, a credible package cannot exclude Tyler Herro, an All-Star, 25 years old, and heading toward another extension:

Beyond Ware, you need to include Herro. And to match the numbers, you have to add at least one more heavy contract

Zach Lowe

This is where the names of Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Kuzma appear, useful as pieces to make the salary-cap math work. The Herro–Wiggins pair alone generates 59 million – enough to match Antetokounmpo’s 54-million salary.

Lowe also opened the door to including Terry Rozier if his legal situation becomes clear:

If Rozier were trade-eligible, he could take Wiggins’ place. But right now nobody knows what the situation really is, as noted by both Bobby Marks and Brian Windhorst

Zach Lowe

Draft capital: limited but meaningful

The Heat can offer:

• two first-round picks (2029 and 2031)
• up to four pick swaps

The limitation is tied to 2027, still controlled by the Hornets because of the 2023 Rozier trade.

It’s not the richest package in the league, but when combined with young players and big contracts, it could be enough if Milwaukee decides to begin a new era.

The Giannis factor: MVP numbers, franchise-changing impact

In the first 17 games of the season, Antetokounmpo is putting up monstrous numbers: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and nearly 64% from the field.

Production that, paired with his unique floor-raising profile, makes any team instantly more competitive. And according to Lowe, Miami would be a destination the Greek star would genuinely welcome.