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Zach Lowe names star the Miami Heat would have to give up to get Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 8:03 PM ET

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are ramping up.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent are reportedly talking to the Milwaukee Bucks about his future and whether that will be in Milwaukee or somewhere else.

After Giannis’ latest calf strain, he is expected to be sidelined for approximately 2 to 4 weeks, which could mean he might have just played his last game with the Bucks.

It’s looking increasingly likely that Giannis will be traded and it’s a matter of which team will step up with the best deal.

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Zach Lowe says the Miami Heat would have to part ways with their young star in a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Out of the many teams that have already been linked to Antetokounmpo, the Miami Heat are starting to gain more traction.

Pat Riley is always looking for his next big star as the Heat are 14-8 to begin the season.

If they were to trade for Giannis, they could arguably become the favorite in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

Mock trade sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami

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However, Zach Lowe said that any Heat deal for Giannis starts and ends with Kel’el Ware.

“The Heat can trade two first round picks as of now because of the pick they owe Charlotte. That’s all they can trade. They can trade some swaps. The negotiations begin and end with Kel’el Ware.

“If Kel’el Ware is not in the deal, then we’re just not talking. Because Tyler Hero, Andrew Wiggins, that’s cool. Those guys are fine. They’re not keeping me relevant.

“We’re still going to suck. We don’t get any golden chip picks because if Giannis gets traded to the Heat, the Heat are going to be good. It’s Ware or Bust.

“And Ware is making a huge leap. He looks like a future potential All-Star player. I don’t think that’s an exaggeration based on how well he’s played lately.

“The fit with Bam is TBD. And, you know, if you threw Ware, Hero, Rozier, two first round picks, a bunch of swaps. “Other teams can beat that.”

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Other teams can make a better offer than the Miami Heat

Even if the Heat included Ware along with either Tyler Herro or Bam Adebayo, other teams would still be able to put forth a better trade package for Giannis.

The San Antonio Spurs could acquire Giannis if they were to include one of their top tier young talents in Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper.