The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a rocky start at 1-4, struggling after a disappointing finish last season that saw them exit the playoffs in the first round. Following a midseason coaching change from Adrian Griffin to Doc Rivers, the Bucks posted a lackluster 19-23 record, including the playoffs.
Now, with the team at a pivotal juncture, age is becoming a factor for key players like 34-year-old Damian Lillard and 36-year-old Brook Lopez, who are the second and third options on the team. The Bucks must act quickly to rebuild their roster into a championship contender.
Adding to the urgency is the situation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, who signed a $186 million extension in 2023 but holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, making him a free agent in just one year. Teams often explore trades for star players they believe they might lose.
Speculation about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is already surfacing, with the Miami Heat emerging as a possible destination. A CBS Sports report mentioned that an NBA executive has indicated Antetokounmpo might be interested in moving to either the Miami Heat or the Brooklyn Nets.
Bill Reiter from CBS noted that an Eastern Conference executive reported, “The teams I’ve heard are Miami and New York—the Nets, not the Knicks.” While the Nets could offer draft picks in a potential trade, the Heat have younger players like Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic that could be enticing to the Bucks.
The Heat seem ready to transition away from the Jimmy Butler era and might consider trading him back to Milwaukee, where he has a strong connection due to his time at Marquette. Although Butler has a $52 million player option for next season, he is expected to remain with the Heat through 2025-26, playing on a lucrative expiring contract.
With the season still in its early stages, the Bucks have time to evaluate their options regarding Antetokounmpo. However, one executive hinted that, “Teams are circling—and hopeful,” suggesting that the Heat are among those with an interest in securing the star player.
