Heat Chased Giannis — Would Trade Without Bam Adebayo

Merlin sees Miami monitored Giannis all summer and, per Barry Jackson, were willing to make an offer to the Bucks that "did not include Bam Adebayo" if he requested a trade. But Antetokounmpo never seemed to consider Miami — ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Knicks were the only real suitors: "The Bucks picked up the Knicks' call... but the teams never got traction." This matters because the Heat lack enough young assets and picks to land a superstar, and Jackson says it's "unlikely" the Bucks would accept a package without Adebayo. Merlin notes Miami prefers to keep cap space for the 2027 window that could include Giannis, Jokic, Davis or Mitchell, and after a 37–45 season the Heat may be cautious. Expect Miami to posture — always in the shopping game — but to avoid mortgaging their core unless Giannis formally demands out; only then will real chaos begin.