Giannis Antetokounmpo trade prediction involves Miami Heat, Tyler Herro but no Knicks or Lakers

Billy Heyen

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Giannis Antetokounmpo trade prediction involves Miami Heat, Tyler Herro but no Knicks or Lakers image

If there was ever a year that Giannis Antetokounmpo was going to get traded, it'd be 2026.

The stars have begun to align in a way that isn't ideal for the Milwaukee Bucks but might just be perfect for Antetokounmpo's suitors.

The New York Knicks are floated often as a destination. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and even the Oklahoma City Thunder are thrown out there.

But CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn has predicted this week that Giannis will join a new team in 2026, but not any of those. Quinn writes that Antetokounmpo will end up with the Miami Heat.

"Antetokounmpo shares an agent, Alex Saratsis, with Bam Adebayo," Quinn writes. "Miami could build an offer around Tyler Herro, Kel'El Ware and all of its remaining draft capital to top whatever veteran-based package New York puts together without splitting up the Saratsis duo."

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The Heat, of course, have benefited in the past from veteran star partnerships coming to South Beach.

If Antetokounmpo came to town, he'd instantly elevate Miami's chances.

"As it stands right now, Miami probably has the most to trade in that scenario and the most to lose by missing out," Quinn writes. "After all, the Knicks might make the Finals as is. The Lakers have an MVP candidate in his mid-20s. The Heat need this, and that's going to get it across the finish line."

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There's still the matter of Giannis making it clear to the Bucks that he wants to be dealt. But if and when that happens, the rest of the NBA will rush into the picture.

The Heat may be best equipped to get a deal over the line, at least when you consider the way Quinn has explained it.

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Editorial Team