Heat luck out as failed Kawhi Leonard trade unlocked Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster

The Miami Heat acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo through a blockbuster trade this offseason was one of the defining features of this very eventful summer. However, it turns out that their newest landmark acquisition would not have been possible if the franchise had succeeded in trading for another superstar instead.

NBA insider Marc Stein recently bared that Kawhi Leonard was amenable to other possible landing spots, but he was only interested in signing an extension with two teams — Toronto, where he ended up getting shipped to, and San Antonio, his former team where he also won a championship with. As such, Miami did not go all-in on the superstar despite their interest in acquiring him.

Well, that failed pursuit was precisely what allowed them to pivot to Antetokounmpo instead. Heck, they ended up with the much better option anyway.

Heat dodge major bullet as failed Kawhi Leonard trade pursuit made Giannis Antetokounmpo possible

Leonard is still a world-beater and an MVP candidate at his best, as he showed this past season with the Clippers, but all things considered, Antetokounmpo is still the better player and easily the more stable centerpiece for the Heat.

The Greek Freak is not exactly young, but he is still way younger than Leonard. Furthermore, while Giannis has had his fair share of injuries in recent years, Leonard remains Antetokounmpo of the most temperamental stars in the league in the health department.

There is also the fact that Leonard brings with him some hot mess from his recently concluded saga with the Clippers. While the trade eventually transpired for the Raptors, the Heat would have had to deal with the long delay if they stayed on with Leonard and risk losing their other targets and adversely affecting their roster-building plans.

In sum, Miami dodged a bullet here. While landing Leonard would have been great, they ended up in an even better situation with  Antetokounmpo now set to lead their quest to East supremacy.