If the Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee is nearing its end-and that’s still a big “if”-then the Bucks need to approach the situation with clarity, not sentiment. And if they’re going to explore trade options, there’s one team that makes far more sense than the rest: the Miami Heat.
Forget the New York Knicks. Despite being Giannis’ reported preferred destination last summer, the Knicks simply don’t have the tools to make a serious run at a player of his caliber right now. Miami, on the other hand, is sitting on a package that could actually get Milwaukee to the table-and maybe even walk away feeling like they didn’t just give up a generational talent for pennies on the dollar.
Why Miami Makes Sense
Let’s start with the basics: draft picks and young talent. Miami can offer both in a way the Knicks just can’t match.
The Heat have control of their 2029 first-round pick and could also move either their 2031 or 2032 first-rounder. That kind of long-term flexibility is exactly what a team like Milwaukee needs if they’re forced into a rebuild or even a soft reset.
Then there’s the young core. Miami’s got a handful of intriguing prospects who could headline a return package.
Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. all offer different skill sets and upside-something the Bucks could use to either develop internally or flip down the line. Even last year’s rookies, Kasparas Jakucionis and Pelle Larsson, could be part of the discussion if Milwaukee pushes for more youth in the deal.
Compare that to New York, where the best young player they could realistically offer is Miles McBride. That’s not a knock on McBride-he’s a solid rotation guy-but he’s not moving the needle in a blockbuster deal for a two-time MVP.
The Salary Match Game
Miami also has the contracts to make the math work. Think Andrew Wiggins and Terry Rozier as salary ballast-both veterans who can still contribute but are primarily there to make the numbers line up. Add in a couple of the Heat’s young pieces and two first-round picks, and you’re looking at a framework that at least gives Milwaukee something to think about.
Could the Bucks ask for a little more? Absolutely.
Maybe a third pick, maybe another young player. But the foundation is there, and that’s more than most teams-especially the Knicks-can say.
What About the Knicks?
Let’s be clear: New York isn’t completely out of the picture. But they’re operating at a disadvantage.
Right now, they don’t have a single first-round pick they can trade outright, apart from Washington’s top-eight protected 2026 pick-a pick that’s looking less and less likely to convey, given the Wizards’ spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. If it doesn’t convert, it turns into second-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
Not exactly a treasure chest.
Even if you try to get creative-say, a package of Karl-Anthony Towns, McBride, and a bunch of pick swaps and second-rounders-it still doesn’t stack up. Those swaps probably won’t hold much value if the Knicks stay competitive, and the rest of the deal lacks the kind of upside Milwaukee would want in a Giannis trade.
Throw in Kyle Kuzma? Try to get OG Anunoby back in the process? It’s a lot of moving parts, and none of them are particularly exciting for a team that would be losing one of the most dominant players in the league.
The Timing Factor
Now, if Milwaukee waits until the summer, the Knicks’ situation improves. They’ll regain access to their own 2026 and 2033 first-round picks, which opens the door for a more competitive offer.
But that door swings both ways. Miami would also gain more flexibility, adding to their stockpile of tradeable assets and potentially making their offer even stronger.
So whether it’s now or in the offseason, the Heat are positioned to be a serious player in any Giannis talks. They’ve got the picks.
They’ve got the young talent. They’ve got the contracts to make a deal work.
And most importantly, they’ve got a front office that knows how to move aggressively when the opportunity is right.
The Bottom Line
If the Bucks decide it’s time to explore life after Giannis, they need to be strategic. That means staying off the phone with New York-at least for now-and dialing up Pat Riley and the Miami Heat. Because when it comes to assets, flexibility, and potential upside, Miami’s offer could be the one that actually makes sense for both sides.
And if this thing heats up before the February 5 trade deadline, Milwaukee would be wise to have Miami on speed dial.