The Los Angeles Lakers (+1000), San Antonio Spurs (+1200), Brooklyn Nets (+1500), and Miami Heat (+1600) round out the top five landing locations for the two-time MVP.
While the Heat are among the favorites, they will likely struggle to put together an appealing trade deal. Miami lacks both high-potential young players and future draft picks, which are essential components in a superstar trade. Nonetheless, Riley is a tried-and-true trader who always finds a way to close a transaction.
Giannis, 30, had a solid 2024-25 season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, while shooting 60.1% from the field. He would immediately improve the existing rotation. However, Giannis would still require a stronger supporting cast to lead the Heat to success.
Miami might not be a good fit for Giannis.
On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith explained why the Heat would not be a good fit for Giannis.
“From a strictly basketball perspective, I’m not leaving Dame (Lillard) to go to Miami,” Smith said the crowd. “That is number one. Number two, what will you have to give up to obtain Giannis? Because you cannot keep Bam and Tyler Herro. Someone’s got to go. So, who will you be playing with? That’s number two.
Smith proceeded.
“Number 3…” Pat Riley is now over 80. Jimmy Butler going out the door may not have been entirely Pat Riley’s fault, but it was somewhat his.
LeBron James walks out the door. Pat Riley was partly to blame. And I simply bring it up to suggest that at some point, there must be a discussion about change in Miami.”
Giannis’ move to the Heat would most likely involve exchanging one rebuilding roster for another. For these reasons, the great striker is unlikely to make the move to Miami this summer.
Heat Should Consider Rebuilding
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, who spoke on an April 30 episode of NBA Today, the Heat’s executive office should consider a full-scale rebuild.
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