Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Giannis's injury and how it affects the Miami Heat

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Major Passons | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 6:09 PM ET

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo announced after his game last night that he will be sidelines for multiple weeks with a calf injury. Now this is important because unless you have not had internet for the past 6 months, Antetokounmpo has been constantly on your TV or social media feeds. Everyone is speculating if he will be on the Bucks past the deadline.

The Miami Heat, as always, are one of the teams looking to acquire the former 2 time Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year winner. The Heat love to go after stars, and it is not often that one of this caliber might be available. Miami has long believed this dream scenario could come true and have been famously waiting, multiple years, to pounce if a trade request ultimately does come to fruition.

The recent injury to Antetokounmpo has made headlines for multiple reasons. One, anytime someone of this caliber is injured it is a story. Two, it is widely believed that the Bucks record will play a huge factor in Antetokounmpo wanting out of Milwaukee. With him sidelined the Bucks do not have the firepower to win many games, let alone make up ground in the standings.

Some other people are wondering if this injury could change how teams view a trade for Antetokounmpo. A calf injury has become one of the more serious injuries for NBA players in recent years. It has been common for a player to get a calf injury then suffer a more serious injury, like a torn Achillies.

It is still time to pounce

Every team will have to do their own evaluation, but I believe for most, and especially the Miami Heat, it is ultimately and easy decision. This injury should change nothing about the pursuit of one of the greatest players of all time.

Miami is in no danger of missing the Play-in tournament and if they acquired Antetokounmpo they could let him properly rehab his calf. They could afford to drop a few games while he recovers. This is not a situation like the Bucks where every game feels like life and death.

With Antetokounmpo on your team all you need to do is make the playoffs and you have a chance. The price to acquire a player like him would be extremely high, but it would be well worth it. He would easily catapult the Heat into one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. So, despite his injury and potential long term complications, this trade is still a no brainer for Miami.