NBA insider names most likely trade suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is facing an uncertain future with the Milwaukee Bucks, and there is one team that seems to have gained momentum as a potential suitor for the two-time NBA MVP.

Antetokounmpo is reportedly contemplating his future amid what has been a difficult start to the season in Milwaukee. There had been talk during the offseason that the nine-time NBA All-Star was trying to force his way to the New York Knicks, but the Knicks and Bucks have not gotten close to any type of trade agreement.

Antetokounmpo does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, which means he would only have so much leverage if he were to decide he no longer wants to play for the Bucks. He may have to be open to playing for other teams if he is set on a fresh start either ahead of the February trade deadline or at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Miami Heat could make the most sense

Longtime NBA reporter Jake Fischer wrote on Tuesday that he believes the Heat have the ability to offer the best trade package for Antetokounmpo. If the Heat were to have interest in landing Antetokounmpo, Fischer believes they could entice Milwaukee with a package that includes Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and draft picks.

"I'm not sure I agree when I hear rival teams denounce Miami's best possible trade package as not being good enough to ultimately land Antetokounmpo," Fischer wrote. "In terms of in-season suitors, I'm struggling to pinpoint another team capable of presenting a deal that would clearly trump the Heat's richest pitch. With the Thunder, Spurs and Rockets not expected to join a theoretical Giannis Sweepstakes, as our publisher covered in his Sunday piece, what team could elbow into the bidding -- and appeal to Giannis as a team he wants to stay with -- with an offer that trumps Miami's ability to package Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, draft compensation and maybe more?"

Heat president Pat Riley is always at the forefront of the conversation when star players become available either via trade or free agency. Miami is 14-12 this season and is at least one piece away from becoming a legitimate contender in the post-Jimmy Butler era. There is little question that Riley would have interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo for the right price.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has an interesting preference

Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he wants to contend for another NBA title, which is why he seems to have soured on the Bucks amid their 11-16 start. A recent report also suggested he might want to play in a warm-weather city, so Miami has an obvious advantage there.

Antetokounmpo has not played since Dec. 3 because of a calf strain. To this point, the Bucks have not looked like a legitimate contender with or without him on the floor. The Heat may not be able to offer a market that is quite as big as the one the Knicks play in, but they have one of the NBA's elite big men in Bam Adebayo and some promising young pieces. There is a lot in Miami that Milwaukee does not have, and it would hardly be a surprise if that appealed to Antetokounmpo.