But the Greek Freak isn’t the only card in the deck.
By Sportswire Miami Staff | May 26, 2026
Key Points
- Giannis is the dream: The Miami Heat are all-in on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade, but the Boston Celtics are equally determined to land the two-time MVP.
- Backup plans are essential: If Giannis chooses Boston, the Heat have their eyes on Donovan Mitchell as the next best target, with Ja Morant and internal development as fallback options.
- The clock is ticking: With the 2026 NBA Draft set for June 23-24, Miami has limited time to finalize its offseason strategy.
The Giannis Sweepstakes: Where Things Stand
It’s no secret that the Miami Heat are laser-focused on landing Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly open to trading their superstar ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, and Miami has emerged as a top contender.
The Heat’s rumored trade package centers around Tyler Herro, along with other assets from a roster that has been meticulously crafted for this kind of moment. However, there’s a catch: Miami is prohibited by NBA rules from trading its 2026 first-round pick outright before the draft, which could hinder their ability to close the deal quickly.
Complicating matters further is the Boston Celtics, who are also heavily pursuing Giannis. With fewer trade restrictions and a similarly attractive roster, Boston poses a serious threat to Miami’s bid for the Greek Freak.
If the Heat miss out on Giannis, they’ll need a backup plan. And they’ve got some intriguing options.
Plan B: Donovan Mitchell
If Giannis heads to Boston, Donovan Mitchell could become Miami’s most realistic alternative.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard is a proven scorer, a dynamic playmaker, and a player who fits seamlessly into Miami’s system. According to SI.com, the Heat should go “all-in” if Mitchell becomes available, while insider Jake Fischer has identified Miami as a prime suitor if he doesn’t sign an extension with Cleveland.
Mitchell’s contract — approximately $50 million for the 2026-27 season — is more manageable than Giannis’s supermax, and his on-court chemistry with Bam Adebayo is already well-documented. The two share a strong friendship, and their complementary skills could form the backbone of a championship-caliber team.
Plan C: Ja Morant (But Only at the Right Price)
Another name linked to Miami is Ja Morant, the electrifying point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Morant’s combination of athleticism and playmaking could bring a spark to Miami’s backcourt, but the Heat’s interest appears to be conditional. According to Jake Fischer, Miami would only pursue Morant if they could acquire him at a bargain price, likely due to his off-court controversies and inconsistent availability.
While Morant’s salary of $42 million for 2026-27 makes him a more affordable option, the Heat’s focus on culture and stability may make them hesitant to bet their future on him unless the deal is undeniably favorable.
Plan D: Build From Within
If the big-name targets like Giannis, Mitchell, and Morant ultimately fall through, the Heat could pivot to a more patient approach.
This would involve:
- Using the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) to add complementary pieces in free agency.
- Developing young talent like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware, who both showed flashes of potential last season.
- Building around Bam Adebayo, who has emerged as one of the league’s premier two-way players.
It’s not the most exciting route, but it’s a sustainable one — and it would allow Miami to maintain flexibility for future opportunities.
The Shadow of Jimmy Butler
No matter what the Heat do this offseason, they’re still dealing with the aftermath of Jimmy Butler’s trade to the Golden State Warriors.
Butler was the heart and soul of Miami’s most successful teams in recent memory. He was the player who carried the Heat to the NBA Finals and elevated the franchise’s reputation as a team that thrives under pressure.
Since his departure, Bam Adebayo has stepped up in a big way, but even he can’t do it alone. The Heat need another superstar to fill the void Butler left behind, and this offseason is their best chance to find one.
The Clock Is Ticking
The 2026 NBA Draft is less than a month away, and the Heat are running out of time to finalize their plans.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the ultimate prize, but the Celtics are a serious threat.
- Donovan Mitchell is the most logical Plan B, with his scoring ability and chemistry with Adebayo making him a near-perfect fit.
- Ja Morant offers intrigue, but only if the price is right.
- Building from within is the fallback option, though it’s far from the splashy moves Heat fans have come to expect.
The Miami Heat are at a crossroads. They’ve built a roster with flexibility, talent, and potential, but they need a superstar to take the next step.
Giannis is the dream. Mitchell is the practical choice. Morant is the gamble.
The Heat have options. What they don’t have is time.
The clock is ticking, and the future of the franchise hangs in the balance.
— Sportswire Miami Staff | Coverage powered by ESPN, SI.com, BasketNews, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports
