Austin Konenski
The Miami Heat are ready to make a big move this offseason. After missing the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Heat need to find a way back into contention, and a trade for a star player would be the perfect start. In fact, Miami has been predicted to land an NBA superstar from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason.
NBA players believe the Heat would be the favorite if the Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, as reported by The Athletic’s Sam Amick in an anonymous player survey. Over 23% of voters believe Antetokounmpo will start the 2026-27 NBA season with Miami, with the New York Knicks at nearly 17% overeall.
Out of the 151 voters, nearly half of the players believe that Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee. However, if the 31-year-old star is on the move, the Heat are the top destination in their minds.
How the Miami Heat can trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo’s future will be the biggest storyline of the 2026 NBA offseason. Milwaukee is aiming for clarity before the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, meaning Antetokounmpo has one month to make a decision on his future. In the scenario where Miami lands Antetokounmpo, what needs to happen?
The Bucks would need Antetokounmpo to request a trade with Miami as one of the destinations. If the Heat aren’t a part of the NBA superstar’s preferred destinations, the entire trade falls apart. Luckily, it has been previously reported that Antetokounmpo has eyes on Miami and New York.
Pat Riley and the Heat front office are ready to land their next “whale,” and they should be willing to give up the farm. No one outside of Bam Adebayo should be untouchable. Miami has to be willing to include any other players and all of its draft picks to trade for Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft.
Antetokounmpo is a rare talent, and when a player of his caliber is on the market, a team mortgages the future to win now. The Heat want to make a massive upgrade, and this partnership seems to be the best fit out of all options. After all, the allure of Miami is strong for players, even after missing the playoffs.
The Heat want to land a superstar this offseason, and Antetokounmpo could be the guy that bring them back to contention.
Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat? Here’s How Miami Could Pull Off the Trade
