The Giannis Antetokounmpo era in South Florida is about to kick into high gear. On Sunday, the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks executed the summer’s first blockbuster trade, sending the two-time NBA MVP to South Beach in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday’s NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick.
The Heat had been linked to Giannis in trade rumors for several years. Following the departure of Jimmy Butler and a disappointing stretch that included a first-round playoff exit and a subsequent failure to reach the postseason, Miami was searching for a franchise-altering move. The organization is now hoping Antetokounmpo can help stabilize the team and return it to championship contention.
While acquiring a player of Giannis’ caliber instantly raises expectations, former NBA player and ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson believes the trade not only makes Miami the favorite in the Eastern Conference but also puts them among the league’s “top four” teams next season.
Speaking on the blockbuster trade, Jefferson noted:
“On the Miami side, I feel like they’ve given up so much. They didn’t get a lot [back in depth], but now just because you have a talented player, you have to structure the team. You have to now build an elite team around Giannis, and you’ve given away a ton of assets. Are they going to be elite next year? I think that they are a top-four team, in my opinion, going into next year, if everyone’s healthy, if they can do it, but they still have a lot of room that they have to fill out on the Miami side.”
Adding Giannis to Miami’s already skilled core puts them squarely back in place as one of the league’s elite teams. However, there is still one glaring hole on the roster that needs to be filled: depth. Perhaps the Heat still have more moves to make to fully round out their roster.
Looking at Miami’s projected starting five after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
The Heat will certainly look a little different next season. It’s very early to say what the coaching staff will ultimately decide to roll out, but this is the most likely outcome:
- PG Davion Mitchell
- SG Norman Powell
- SF Andrew Wiggins
- PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C Bam Adebayo
The core of Adebayo, Powell, Wiggins, and Mitchell forms one of the stronger groups in the NBA for the coming years. However, they still lack reliable shooting, backcourt playmaking, and overall depth, which they will likely try to address in free agency.
Having said all that, the Heat could be just a couple of smart signings away from truly being in title contention. But if they can’t build around Giannis while he is at the top of his game, it could be a very tough road ahead. Pat Riley is going to be a busy man this summer.
Read More:
Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart After Landing Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in Giannis Deal
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