Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been among the most frequently mentioned players in recent trade buzz. With several rumors suggesting that his time in Milwaukee could be coming to an end, many teams have lined up as potential suitors in an attempt to acquire the superstar.
While several teams have been identified as potential frontrunners in the race to acquire Giannis, there seems to be a growing belief that the Miami Heat could be an ideal landing spot for the nine-time All-Star.
Though several trade packages have been formulated to facilitate this move, reports have indicated that the Heat would be required to part with some key assets to make this deal.
Given that a deal between the Bucks and the Heat could leave one side in a more vulnerable position, neither team may be willing to engage in a trade. However, if a third team steps in to shoulder some of the burden, a potential deal may seem more appealing.
With this in mind, we explore a three-team trade that could see Giannis Antetokounmpo join the Heat, with the remaining parties also gaining solid assets. Here’s the trade package:
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner, Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Miami Heat Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Jonathan Kuminga, Kel’el Ware, 2028 first-round pick (GSW), 2029 first-round pick (MIA), 2031 first-round pick (MIA)
How Does This Deal Help The Warriors?
For the Golden State Warriors, this trade addresses a pressing roster need, namely their big man rotation. With the acquisition of Myles Turner and Jaime Jaquez Jr., however, Golden State addresses more issues.
Myles Turner has been viewed as one of the best shot-blocking big men in the league. Aside from his elite rim-protection skill, Turner has also developed into a reliable threat from beyond the arc.
For the 2025-26 season, Turner is averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting 43.1% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.
On paper, Turner is the ideal fit for Golden State’s system. Given that he would effectively be replacing Al Horford in this scenario, the Dubs may view this addition as an upgrade, though Turner lacks Horford’s championship pedigree.
Along with Turner, Golden State would also acquire Jaquez from the Heat. Positioned as a versatile offensive player with multi-level scoring abilities, Jaquez could easily provide a scoring boost to the Warriors’ bench rotation.
After a sophomore slump, the 24-year-old appears to have found his groove again this season. Considering his averages of 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 51.2% from the field, he has truly been impressive this year.
Why Would The Bucks Do This Trade?
For the Bucks, any trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo would signal the start of a rebuild. While we have already projected several ways this could play out, this trade package may prove to be the most beneficial from a rebuilding perspective.
With Terry Rozier‘s $26.6 million expiring contract, the Bucks gain cap flexibility next summer. Along with three first-round picks, Milwaukee would also witness the arrival of Tyler Herro, Jonathan Kuminga, and Kel’el Ware, effectively forming their new core.
Tyler Herro has already established himself as one of the league’s elite guards. Since returning from surgery, the 25-year-old hasn’t looked out of place, posting averages of 23.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 50.5% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range.
While Herro’s addition is impressive, the impact of acquiring Kuminga and Ware is not to be overlooked.
Jonathan Kuminga has already garnered enough attention for his star potential. While possessing all the tools to become a legitimate offensive threat, he could be a key addition to the Bucks, who would be a rebuilding team in this scenario.
His performance this season has been underwhelming, averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, largely due to internal conflicts. However, in a new environment, he could develop into his role as a star.
Kel’el Ware has also shown sparks of brilliance this season. Even though he has been criticized for his inconsistency, Ware has displayed enough potential to suggest that he could be a star in the right circumstances.
For the 2025-26 season, Ware is averaging 11.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Rumors have suggested that any trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat would have to include Ware. When considering that he could see a notable uptick in production by earning a more significant role on the Bucks in this scenario, Milwaukee could benefit from his addition to its new core.
What Do The Heat Gain From This Trade?
This trade effectively puts the Heat in a position to contend for the title. Given their current standing, placing seventh in the East, Miami is already in a solid position to compete for a playoff spot. However, to win the title, it is evident that the team needs an upgrade.
In this scenario, adding Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brandin Podziemski, and Al Horford would be noteworthy.
With Horford’s addition, the Heat would be adding necessary depth and veteran experience in the big man rotation. Considering that their frontcourt depth has also been a pain point for Miami this season, acquiring a former NBA champion could be viewed favorably, despite this season’s averages of 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Brandin Podziemski’s addition serves to fill the vacancy left by Tyler Herro’s departure. While he doesn’t possess Herro’s star power, Podziemski proves to be a serviceable replacement, averaging 12.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season while shooting 43.8% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range.
Podziemski has been criticized for his inconsistency this season, especially in light of the ambitious goals he set for himself. In a different environment, however, he may find himself being forced to step up.
The most significant addition in this deal is Giannis Antetokounmpo. With this move, the Heat would effectively be pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. Given how flexible both players are, Miami could boast one of the most lethal two-way duos in the NBA.
As one of the league’s elite players, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season, Antetokounmpo is single-handedly capable of transforming the Heat into a title contender.
This trade may leave the Heat slightly bare in the playmaking department, presenting an opportunity for Miami to give Davion Mitchell a bigger role. But considering Giannis Antetokounmpo’s versatility, the Heat may be able to overcome this obstacle without making additional adjustments to the roster.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Closely Linked With The Heat
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors have seen five teams emerge as potential landing spots, namely the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Miami Heat. However, according to recent reports, the Spurs aren’t as likely to join the race to acquire the nine-time All-Star, thus improving Miami’s chances.
While many teams make a solid case to be considered a good fit for the Bucks’ superstar, all the signs point to the Heat being the ideal fit. With the team’s approach to winning and their championship culture aligning with Antetokounmpo’s goals, it would be fair to consider Miami as Giannis’ preferred destination.
Currently, Giannis Antetokounmpo has remained quiet on matters involving the trade rumors, opting only to express his commitment to the Bucks. However, with trade chatter building and rumors regarding his injury swaying the conversation, it is difficult to determine which direction this situation will eventually take.
