Blockbuster trade pitch sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to warmer weather

Despite the Bucks’ push to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo content, trade speculation continues to swirl. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently suggested a deal that would send Antetokounmpo and veteran forward Bobby Portis elsewhere, giving the Bucks an opportunity to bring in young talent for the future.

Antetokounmpo and Portis, both central to Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run and popular among fans, were included in the proposed trade. In exchange, the Bucks would receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Terry Rozier, along with a 2030 first-round selection, a 2032 first-round selection, and a 2031 first-round pick swap. The deal is framed as a way to strengthen the franchise’s long-term outlook.

Giannis Antetokounmpo going to Miami?

The Miami Heat have been working on a trade package aimed at acquiring superstar Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, but according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, they are reluctant to part with Kel’el Ware. Antetokounmpo, however, is the kind of player who could push Miami to reconsider. Like many teams across the league, the Heat have long had their eye on him.

Ware, the 15th overall pick in the 2024 draft, finished his rookie season as a starter for the Heat. The 7-foot center also earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team and claimed Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors in January.

The package also brings in young pieces like Herro and Jaquez Jr. along with several future first-round picks that could shape Milwaukee’s long-term future. Herro turned in the strongest season of his career in 2024-25, pouring in a career-high 23.9 points per game and shooting 47.2 percent from the field over 77 contests. The 25-year-old capped it off by earning his first All-Star selection.

Even though the deal brings Milwaukee promising young talent, the Bucks appear unlikely to entertain moving Antetokounmpo. Unless he personally demands a trade, the odds of such a scenario unfolding are almost nonexistent.