NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo To Miami Heat Still Possible But Not Soon

The Miami Heat might not find it easy to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo anytime soon.

It has been a widespread rumor that he Miami Heat is actively looking to preserve max cap space to land Antetokounmpo. With the way the Heat is playing this season, it is quite evident that they are fully aware they could be serious title contenders. The team’s current star Jimmy Butler is playing some of the best basketball in his career, and Heat sensation Bam Adebayo is transitioning into a star big man. Needless to say, an MVP caliber player like Antetokounmpo could certainly push Miami over the edge.

In a recent episode of ESPN’s “The Jump,” former NBA champ Kendrick Perkins and NBA insider Brian Windhorst talked about Antetokounmpo and where the Miami Heat stands at making a deal at this point. According to Perkins, Miami is where “The Greek Freak” truly belongs and predicted that “he would be phenomenal” in the said franchise, Miami Herald reported.

“Giannis is a great fit [with the Heat]. [He and Butler] complement each other very well. The Heat culture is Giannis. He would be phenomenal here [in Miami],” Perkins said.

Windhorst on the other hand, said that he believes the Heat is the “most dangerous” team in the NBA when it comes to potentially devising a trade in the future. However, things could make a huge turn as the veteran NBA insider hinted that players are interested to in Miami, Heat Nation Reported.

“I think they’re the most dangerous team going forward to make a deal. Maybe not this season, players want to be in Miami, and now they’re back. Watch out,” Windhorst said.

Looking at the Heat’s current roster and contracts, it appears that they are likely to have some troubles in closing a deal this season. The team has the NBA-mandated minimum of 14 players on the roster which doesn’t include their two-way players Chris Silva and Daryl Macon . With that being noted, any trade they make can’t send out more players than it brings back.

Due to the sign-and-trade that sent Butler to Miami, the Heat are functioning under the hard cap for the rest of the season. In simpler terms, they can’t go over the luxury apron of $132,980,000 and approximately just have $855k to spare.

Pat Riley and company are highly expected to construct another strategic deal soon especially with the promising future the Heat players are displaying this season.