The Miami Heat are ready to make a big move this offseason. After missing the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Heat need to find a way back to contention, and a trade for a star player would be an ideal start. In fact, Miami is predicted to get an NBA superstar from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason.
NBA players believe the Heat will be the favorites if the Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, according to an anonymous player survey by The Athletic's Sam Amick. More than 23% of voters believe Antetokounmpo will start the 2026-27 NBA season with Miami, with the New York Knicks at about 17% overall.
Of the 151 voters, nearly half of players believe Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee. However, if the 31-year-old star is on the move, the Heat are the top destination on his mind.
How the Miami Heat could trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo's future will be the biggest story of the 2026 NBA offseason. Milwaukee is aiming for clarity before the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, meaning Antetokounmpo has a month to decide on his future. In the scenario where Miami lands Antetokounmpo, what needs to happen?
The Bucks would need Antetokounmpo to request a trade with Miami as a destination. If the Heat aren't part of the NBA superstar's favorite destinations, the entire business will fall apart. Fortunately, it was previously reported that Antetokounmpo was eyeing Miami and New York.
Pat Riley and the Heat front office are ready to land their next “whale” and he should be ready to leave the farm. No one should be untouchable outside of Bam Adebayo. Miami would have to be willing to include any other players and all of its draft selections in order to trade for Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft.
Antetokounmpo is a rare talent, and when a player of his caliber is on the market, a team is mortgaging the future to win now. The Heat are looking to make a massive upgrade, and this partnership seems like the best fit of all the options. After all, the allure of Miami for players remains strong despite missing the playoffs.
The Heat are looking to land a superstar this offseason and Antetokounmpo could be the one to get them back into contention.
READ MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami Heat? Here's how Miami could pull off the trade
