If the Miami Heat are serious about making a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo, they might already be sitting on the most complete trade package in the field. They’ve got the young talent.
They’ve got draft picks. What they don’t yet have is the kind of overwhelming draft capital that could push their offer over the top - the kind that forces Milwaukee to stop answering calls from anyone else.
That missing piece? It might just come down to Andrew Wiggins.
Let’s break it down.
Why Wiggins Is the Key to Unlocking Miami’s Full Trade Arsenal
Wiggins isn’t the All-Star centerpiece of a deal for Giannis - and he doesn’t have to be. What he is, however, is a valuable mid-tier asset who can still contribute on both ends of the floor.
He’s putting up 15.6 points, 4.9 boards, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 38.4% from deep. Add in his defensive versatility - better than a steal and a block per game - and you’ve got a two-way wing who can still help a playoff team right now.
His contract? Manageable.
Two years left. Not a bargain, but not a deal-breaker either.
That’s exactly the kind of salary that makes trade math work - and more importantly, it’s the kind of contract that could net Miami a first-round pick from a contender looking for one more piece.
And that’s the play here: flip Wiggins for a first-rounder. Not because the Bucks want Wiggins - they don’t. But because that pick could be the final push that turns a strong offer into an unbeatable one.
The 2027 First-Round Pick: Miami’s Golden Ticket
Here’s where it gets interesting. Miami currently owns its first-round picks in 2026 and from 2028 through 2032.
But 2027? That one’s missing.
And under NBA rules, you can’t trade away first-round picks in back-to-back future years. That limitation means the Heat are capped at two tradeable firsts - unless they get their hands on a 2027 pick.
If they pull that off, suddenly they can offer four first-rounders - 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031 - spaced out every other year. That matches what Golden State, another major suitor for Giannis, could offer in terms of draft picks.
And on top of that, Miami could throw in pick swaps in ’27, ’29, and ’31. That’s a serious haul - one that could rival or surpass any other team’s offer in terms of long-term value.
Who’s Taking Wiggins?
Of course, it’s not as simple as snapping your fingers and turning Wiggins into a 2027 pick. Not every team is both in the market for a veteran wing and holding a 2027 first they’re willing to move. But even if Miami can’t land that specific year, getting any first-rounder in return for Wiggins bumps their total to three tradeable picks - and that’s still a strong position to be in.
And remember, the Heat’s offer isn’t just about picks.
Miami’s Young Core: The Other Half of the Equation
The Bucks aren’t just looking for draft capital - they’ll want young talent, too. And Miami’s got it.
Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, Kasparas Jakucionis, Nikola Jovic, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. form a compelling group of prospects. Four of the five are former first-round picks.
Larsson, the lone exception, has taken a notable leap in his sophomore season. This isn’t a throw-in group - it’s a collection of real, developmental assets who could become foundational pieces for a rebuilding Bucks team.
Put it all together - three or four first-rounders, multiple swaps, and a few of those young names - and you’ve got a blockbuster offer that’s hard to top.
The Clock Is Ticking
Timing matters here. If the Bucks decide to wait until the summer, the trade landscape changes.
Teams will gain access to 2033 picks, and some currently restricted from dealing their 2026 firsts will be able to move them on draft night. That levels the playing field a bit - and Miami’s edge starts to shrink.
So if the Heat want to strike while their offer still stands out, now’s the time. Move Wiggins.
Bring back a pick and maybe a role player to keep the rotation intact. Then go all in.
A package built around three firsts, multiple swaps, Ware, Jakucionis, Jaquez, and even Tyler Herro? That’s a monster.
That’s the kind of deal that makes Milwaukee stop and think. And if Giannis really is in play, it might be the kind of deal that gets it done.
Miami’s always been aggressive when it comes to chasing stars. This time, they’ve got the pieces. Now it’s just about pulling the trigger.