The Miami Heat reportedly still believe that they’re in play to land Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the league’s trade deadline on Thursday.
However, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there are few that believe Milwaukee is actually serious about parting ways with the two-time league MVP right now.
“The [Minnesota] Wolves and Heat, sources say, still believe they are in play for landing Giannis Antetokounmpo today, although like the [Golden State] Warriors, few believe Milwaukee is actually serious about parting ways with their franchise face,” NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote via X. “I’m still being told the Bucks are engaged with the [Memphis] Grizzlies on Ja Morant as well.”
Miami has not made a move so far ahead of the deadline, but it could put together a pretty convincing package for Antetokounmpo since it has several intriguing young players.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis are among the potential young talents that the Heat could dangle in a trade. Miami would also need to match salary and add draft capital to entice the Bucks. A more established talent like Tyler Herro could also be included. Milwaukee may not have a ton of suitors that can offer as robust of a package as the Heat.
This season, the Heat are just 27-25 and hold the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. While it would be tough for Miami to make the NBA Finals with its current roster, it could end up making a leap in the standings if Antetokounmpo is acquired by the deadline.
Right now, the Bucks star is dealing with a calf injury, which could have an impact on his trade market. Some teams may not be as willing to part ways with a bunch of assets for Antetokounmpo if he isn’t going to be able to immediately contribute after the deadline this season. That could help the Heat.
Despite his injury issues in the 2025-26 campaign, Antetokounmpo has still been one of the best players in the NBA. He’s averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 64.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range.
Meanwhile, the Bucks are just the No. 12 seed in the East, making it hard to see a path where they can contend this season even if the 2021 NBA Finals MVP returns to action sooner rather than later.
That could help force Milwaukee’s hand before Thursday’s deadline, although the team may wait to trade Antetokounmpo if it doesn’t receive a massive package for him this season.
Antetokounmpo is under contract in the 2026-27 season as well, so the Bucks could move him in the offseason. The Heat will likely be involved in any discussion around the two-time MVP as long as he’s available to be acquired.