Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Ex-Teammate Crowns Miami Heat as ‘Best Fit’ for Superstar Amid Trade Rumors

Giannis Antetokounmpo's former teammate believes the Miami Heat are the best fit for him.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Ex-Teammate Crowns Miami Heat as ‘Best Fit’ for Superstar Amid Trade Rumors

Robin Lopez on Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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There has been a lot of noise surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future with the Milwaukee Bucks for a while now. While his performances have not translated into playoff success in recent years, he is still a player who could shift the tide to his favor whenever needed. Since the trade of Damian Lillard back to Portland in the offseason, Antetokounmpo has not been a happy figure in Milwaukee.

It is not a secret anymore that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to leave the Milwaukee Bucks. The ‘Greek Freak’ requested a trade in the offseason, but no deal materialized, so Antetokounmpo decided to stay for another season. But it appears that the Bucks forward is running out of patience after a poor start to the season.

More than halfway through the 2025-26 season, the Bucks may look to tank as they sit 12th in the Eastern Conference at 18-27. Despite the Bucks’ poor record, Antetokounmpo is posting impressive numbers and is currently averaging 28 points, ten rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting at 64.5% from the field.

Antetokounmpo’s former teammate Robin Lopez has not played in the NBA since the 2023-24 season with the Bucks. Lopez claimed that the two-time MVP is a perfect match for the Miami Heat.

I really think that Giannis’ personality meshes with the Miami Heat. I think they both have that intense drive, intense passion to go get a championship by any means necessary.

The Miami Heat are a play-in team at the moment as they are currently at eighth place in the standings. But with a superstar like Antetokounmpo within their ranks, it could cause a huge shift in the Eastern Conference.

Strongest suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo

While Antetokounmpo has come out and said that he would never ask for a trade from the Bucks, it appears that the club have decided to move on from their all-time points leader. On Tuesday, it was reported that the 31-year-old is ready for a new home at the trade deadline.

NBA Insider Shams Charania, who reported that the Bucks are willing to let Antetokounmpo go, revealed his strongest suitors on the Inside the NBA tip-off show.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

Giannis has informed the necessary Bucks officials that he believes that the time has come now for both of the sides to move on after 13 years. There are teams in both conferences. I would look at Minnesota and Golden State in the west. New York and Miami in the east. Those are four of the strong suitors for Giannis right now on the market.

With Antetokounmpo ruled out for four to six weeks due to an injury he suffered against the Denver Nuggets, it looks like he has played his final game for the Bucks if he is traded at the trade deadline. The Bucks will want plenty of draft compensation so they can hit the ground running in a rebuild if they trade their franchise superstar.

Heat, Warriors, and Knicks package for Giannis Antetokounmpo

There is no doubt that the three teams will be strong contenders to go all the way if they are able to trade for the 2021 NBA Finals MVP. The Warriors, Knicks, and Heat have all emerged as the leading suitors for the Greek big man.

On the latest episode of the Hoop Collective podcast, Brian Windhorst spoke on the Heat, Warriors, and Knicks package for Antetokounmpo.

GSW can make a compelling offer. 4 first plus swaps. Plus the players. Miami can make an offer maybe not quite compelling but they can put together an offer that is you know you could have a meeting about. The Knicks despite only 1 trade able first, kind of zero trade able first, they if they want, can make a compelling offer. Question is if they want.

All eyes will be on Antetokounmpo till the end of the trade deadline, as a trade of this caliber could shake up the NBA and change the odds of championship contenders.

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