Eastern Conference team likely to aggressively pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Eastern Conference team likely to aggressively pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 3:53 PM ET

If Giannis Antetokounmpo gets traded this offseason, one team appears likely to be extremely aggressive in trying to land him.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on “NBA Today” Tuesday that Pat Riley and the Heat are extremely motivated to land a huge name this offseason and will look into any star that becomes available. Charania specifically named Antetokounmpo as a possible target amid the forward’s uncertain future with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Pat Riley wants his whale, his shark, his tiger, whatever animal you want to use to describe it,” Charania said. “They’ll be back in the Giannis hunt. Whatever star they can find that becomes available, they’ll see if they can get that No. 1 guy.”

Shams:

"The Heat, Pat Riley, it's clear around the NBA when I talk to rival executives: Pat Riley wants his whale, his shark, his tiger. They'll be back in the Giannis hunt and then whatever star they can find that becomes available to see can we get that #1 guy" pic.twitter.com/KwS6UxKcn2
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 14, 2026

The Heat have been floated as a possible destination for Antetokounmpo before. It would also fit what Riley likes to do. He tried to trade for Kevin Durant last offseason, and always sniffs around whoever might be available.

Interestingly, Charania suggests the Heat will look into any star that might be available in order to try to pair a true No. 1 option with Bam Adebayo. The clear message is that Miami will be aggressive this summer. Whether that is enough to actually land a big star after falling short in previous offseasons remains to be seen.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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