The Milwaukee Bucks star have had a rocky start to the season, sitting at 1-4. After a lackluster finish last year and an early playoff exit, the team has struggled, posting a 19-23 record following the mid-season coaching change from Adrian Griffin to Doc Rivers. With key players like 34-year-old guard Damian Lillard and 36-year-old center Brook Lopez facing age-related decline, the Bucks must act quickly to revamp their roster and become a contender again.
Antetokounmpo’s $186 million extension, signed in 2023, includes a player option for the 2026-27 season, putting him just a year away from free agency. This often prompts teams that doubt their chances of retaining a star player to consider trades. Consequently, speculation about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is growing, with the Miami Heat frequently mentioned as a potential destination.
A CBS Sports report indicated that Giannis Antetokounmpo may have interest in moving to either the Miami Heat or the Brooklyn Nets. According to Bill Reiter, an Eastern Conference executive noted, “The teams I’ve heard are Miami and New York—the Nets, not the Knicks.” While the Nets have draft picks to offer the Bucks in a potential trade, the Heat have attractive young players like Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic. With the Heat seemingly ready to transition away from the Jimmy Butler era, they might consider trading for Butler, who is a fan favorite in Milwaukee due to his Marquette roots. Although Butler has a $52 million player option for next summer, he is expected to play out the lucrative final year of his contract. As the season has just begun, it may take time before the Bucks make any decisions regarding Antetokounmpo. However, one executive mentioned, “Teams are circling—and hopeful,” suggesting that the Heat are among those eager to make a move.
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