Giannis Antetokounmpo has a series of suitors. Experts believe the Golden State Warriors are the best fit for the Greek star. However, the Miami Heat have emerged as a strong contender. In fact, Pat Riley and his management, like the Dubs, have assets to offer the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for their disgruntled franchise player. But they need to make a move before Thursday’s 3 pm NBA trade deadline or wait until the offseason.

Interestingly, according to insider Ethan Skolnick of 5 Reasons Sports, a couple of people in the Bucks organization like the Heat’s potential offer for Antetokounmpo.

They can headline a good proposal by putting forward Kel’el Ware ($4.4 million), a rising prospect already making noise across the league. He ranks third in the NBA in rebounds per 36 minutes at 14.7, and sits second among all NBA centers in three-point accuracy at 41%, trailing only Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

Meanwhile, a Miami Herald source suggests the Heat would significantly expand the package. It appears to be a solid condition that, if fulfilled, can make the Antetokounmpo move finally happen.

The projected deal features Ware, Tyler Herro ($31M), and Terry Rozier ($26.6M – expiring contract). The Heat would also have to include at least one more young contributor. First-round pick swaps in 2030 and 2032, and possibly pick swaps in 2026, 2029, and 2031, may also be part of the offer.

An offer of this caliber will surely strengthen the Heat’s aggressive push and long-term commitment to landing a franchise-level star. Now, Giannis Antetokounmpo earns $54.1 million this season and holds major leverage. He can lock in a four-year, $275 million maximum extension in October.

However, another team can only present him that deal if a trade happens before the upcoming deadline. If a move comes later, he must wait an additional 6 months before signing the extension. He also carries one guaranteed year at $58.4 million, plus a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.

Meanwhile, the Heat face a tight financial picture for the 2025-26 season. Their total salary commitments sit near $198 million, leaving roughly $43 million in flexibility.

Even so, the Heat still have about $7.1 million before the first apron and $19.0 million before the second apron. Even with the tight finances, a trade for Antetokounmpo is still on the table, but it would force the front office to get creative with salary matching and ship out major contracts in a bold move.

Constraints to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Miami Heat’s troubles

League rules limit how far ahead franchises can move first-round draft picks, while also blocking deals that erase picks in back-to-back seasons. As a result, the Heat face a narrow path when structuring a strong proposal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Therefore, to improve their chances and raise the appeal of any package, they may have to secure an additional premium draft asset before approaching the Bucks.

“They can trade two firsts as of now and some swaps,” NBA insider Zach Lowe said on his show.

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Meanwhile, reporter Howard Beck said, “The Hawks have the ultimate trump card because they have control of that Bucks-Pelicans swap. But maybe two picks and some swaps plus good players, Herro, Wiggins, whatever.”

The Atlanta Hawks control the stronger 2026 first-round selection between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans, a result of a swap clause tied to the Jrue Holiday deal from 2020. Meanwhile, struggles from both teams during the 2025-26 season have boosted the worth of that pick.

Thus, there are various ways in which the Heat can aggressively pursue the two-time MVP.

Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined due to a calf sprain, but coach Doc Rivers told ESPN that he will play again this season.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently noted that “the Bucks will be in a better position to make this trade in the summer than they are now. The offers will only get better in the spring.”

The Warriors also remain in the top spot with four tradable first-round picks and young players.

The Bucks wouldn’t settle for any sort of bargain for their biggest star.