The Miami Heat have won the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes, fending off tough competition from the Boston Celtics. According to insider Shams Charania’s report, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, 3 first-round picks (including No. 13), 1 pick swap, and 1 second-rounder. The Heat landed Bobby Portis, along with Antetokounmpo.
Miami Heat Updated Depth Chart After Blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Guards: Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, Pelle Larsson, Myron Gardner
Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic
Centers: Bam Adebayo, Bobby Portis, Keshad Johnson
The Heat have work to do after these trades, as they need to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with more shooters. Norman Powell’s extension could be the next move the Heat make to tip things off. The veteran is an unrestricted free agent. While he can negotiate with other teams, Antetokounmpo joining the Heat could make Miami a lucrative landing spot for Powell.
Meanwhile, acquiring Bobby Portis in the trade will help the Heat in the long run, as he can play as a backup to Bam Adebayo. Portis is also a floor-spacing big man, apt for a team led by Antetokounmpo.
Miami Heat beat Boston Celtics to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Miami Heat pipped the Boston Celtics to win the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes. The Heat’s offer was the Bucks’ ultimate choice for several factors. According to Charania’s report, Milwaukee looked at the big-picture stuff and the flexibility, which made the Heat’s deal appear more lucrative.
“The Bucks chose the Heat’s offer in order to bring more flexibility and big-picture approach with controlled contracts and long-term competitiveness for new coach Taylor Jenkins to imagine the next generation of Milwaukee — versus a veteran, win-now superstar player-led package that places the immediate focus on the present. Horst and Heat general manager Andy Elisburg finalized the agreement on Monday night,” the insider wrote.
The Celtics offered Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks in a straight swap. However, that would have seen the Bucks have limited flexibility. They would also have to contend with one All-Star leading the team for the second straight year.
The trade hasn’t been finalized yet. For now, the Heat and the Bucks have struck a straight deal, but other teams have a window until Jul. 6 to enter the trade framework.
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