Former Champion States Giannis Antetokounmpo Wouldn't Go To The Heat; Presents Raptors As Better Fit

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was the focal point of conversations earlier in the offseason. After expressing a willingness to consider trade opportunities, the Greek forward was linked to many teams, including the Miami Heat.

While some viewed the Heat as the ideal landing spot for Antetokounmpo, former NBA champion Mario Chalmers recently expressed why he wouldn't go to Miami. During an interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, the two-time champion said:

"No. I don’t see Giannis fitting in. I won’t say [because of] Heat Culture, but just the Heat team. You gotta put a lot of shooters around him on that team, which I think is doable, but I just don’t see him going there."

Chalmers made a key observation about Miami's current roster. Given the team's structure, the Heat feature talented offensive players, but it is also evident that perimeter shooting isn't their strongest suit.

While Miami has capable three-point shooters like Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, and Nikola Jovic, any effort to acquire Antetokounmpo would leave the rotation quite depleted. This would create the need to bring in more perimeter shooting depth.

Chalmers was then asked if the Toronto Raptors would prove to be a better fit for the Greek superstar. He responded:

"Definitely. They’re more active. They’re more of an up-and-down team, and they've got a bunch of young, hungry guys that like to run and get up and down. And so, that’s Giannis’ game."

Among the many teams Antetokounmpo was linked to in the summer, the Raptors and the Heat were perceived as favorites to land the superstar. Given the list of preferences the forward mentioned when considering potential trade destinations, Toronto seemed to check all the boxes, more so than Miami, too.

The Raptors have a promising young squad. Led by a rising star in Scottie Barnes, along with RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors possess a solid core that could be worth cultivating.

But considering Chalmers' reasoning for overlooking the Heat as a potential destination for Antetokounmpo, his take on Toronto doesn't hold up as strongly.

While the Raptors have the potential to be a promising landing spot, they are still a long way away from being ready to contend for a title. Regardless, given the way the offseason has progressed, it is abundantly clear that the Bucks' superstar is staying put.

Following the signing of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, reports suggested that Giannis' position with the team was secured, at least to start the 2025-26 season. This effectively put an end to all immediate rumors of a potential move.

However, given reports indicating the superstar's desire to allow his contract to play out and test free agency in 2027, the Heat, the Raptors, and other teams could still pursue him.