One factor that could impact Heat trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Miami Heat's season is officially over. Losing Bam Adebayo early in the play-in matchup with the Charlotte Hornets was a big blow, and failing to hold onto a late-game lead sealed their fate.

Even so, Erik Spoelstra's team was never in the conversation as a championship contender.

That's why they could be in the mix to make a big move in the offseason. They've tried to land a star for years now, but to no avail.

According to NBA insider Kevin O'Connor, the Heat will be an active player in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. However, their ability to trade for him will probably depend on an impending reform to the NBA Draft lottery odds.

The Heat need some help landing Giannis Antetokounmpo

"Something to keep in mind though: Miami's hopes of landing Giannis could depend on whether the NBA flattens the lottery odds," O'Connor reported. "Since the Heat never bottom out, other teams don't view their future picks too highly under the current rules. Flatter odds, especially if play-in or first round exit teams are involved in the lottery, would increase the value of those future picks."

The Heat will have first-round picks to trade in 2029, 2031 and 2033, plus pick swaps to offer in 2028, 2030 and 2032. It's been long enough since Pat Riley got a win in the summer, and with the uncertainty surrounding Giannis, he should go all-in.

Antetokounmpo left the door open for potentially leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, even revealing that they hadn't offered him a contract extension.

It's not the first time that he's stirred the pot with trade rumors, but it feels like both parties are finally inching closer to the end of their long, successful, and -- at times -- tumultuous relationship.