Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat?! It’s a possibility that would keep plenty of Boston Celtics fans up at night. With Giannis trade rumors swirling after Antetokounmpo and his agent reportedly began discussions with Milwaukee’s front office about a potential departure, Miami can’t be ruled out as a landing spot.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons discussed a pair of potential Heat packages for Giannis during a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast.
The main difference between the two packages? One included Bam Adebayo; one did not. Simmons’ Bam package saw the Heat sending Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee in exchange for Giannis and his two brothers (Thanasis and Alex) plus Bobby Portis.
The non-Bam trade idea from Simmons was Herro, Kel’el Ware, Andrew Wiggins, and picks for the Antetokounmpo trio.
“I just wanted to mention this team (for Giannis), and it chills my bones,” Simmons said. “The Heat … (and there are) two different (trade) scenarios. One has Bam in it … I think if you’re doing this, you probably try to keep Bam (if you’re Miami) … the more likely one, which is interesting to me … Herro, Ware, who’s good, Wiggins, and picks.”
Story continues below advertisement
Simmons was challenged by his guest, Joe House, who suggested that this package would be outdone by other offers for Giannis, particularly from the Houston Rockets.
Simmons then proceeded to defend the package.
Story continues below advertisement
“(In) Herro, I’m getting a top-45 guy in the league who can put up 25 a night. I’m getting a really good young center (Ware), who I’m shocked by how much he’s progressed this year. I think he’s really good. … And then I’m just getting a bunch of picks and a tradable contract in Wiggins.”
House continued to push back on the Miami deal(s), also bringing up the New York Knicks’ potential capacity to give Karl-Anthony Towns to the Bucks in a Giannis deal.
Both analysts agreed that Miami presents a more enticing geographical destination than others, which gives the Heat somewhat of an advantage.
Story continues below advertisement
Heat president Pat Riley has always had a thirst for bringing top-five players to Miami. Riley’s not always landed his targets, but the “Heatles” era of LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwyane Wade was one glorious manifestation of Riley’s vision for Miami as sort of an “East Lakers” destination for the game’s biggest stars.
If Miami were somehow able to pull off getting Giannis without giving up Bam, they’d be one star away from another Heatles situation. Luckily for the Celtics and other teams in the East, that has a very close to zero chance of happening.
Featured image via Benny Sieu/Imagn Images
