Miami Heat Chase Giannis Antetokounmpo Again

Merlin sees Miami opening its wallet again after another Play-In trip, with Pat Riley eyeing a true superstar and Giannis Antetokounmpo squarely in the crosshairs. As Shams Charania reported, "Pat Riley wants his whale, his shark, his tiger, whatever animal you want to describe it." Riley has tried before, courting Kevin Durant last summer and, at the deadline, reportedly offering "Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, a bunch of draft capital" for Giannis. A true No. 1 alongside Bam Adebayo would lift the Heat out of NBA purgatory. Merlin notes constraints in equal measure. The Bucks have shown no appetite to move Giannis, and Miami may lack the depth of assets other suitors command. Still, Riley’s pursuit matters beyond one player. His willingness to chase stars will force market moves and keep the Heat in the conversation for any top name who becomes available.