Heat linked to four-team Giannis Antetokounmpo-centered trade for $149 million ex-Spurs star

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With all of the blockbuster trade rumors surrounding the Miami Heat, it would be disappointing to witness the three-time NBA champion fail to make a big-time move this summer.

There’s a strong belief that Miami is in a position to pry Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer, as the franchise has the players and draft capital to convince Milwaukee to partner with the Heat on the trade market this offseason.

While CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin thinks that Antetokounmpo will soon be involved in a groundbreaking trade, he doesn’t believe the Heat will be the organization to acquire him. Instead, Botkin predicts Miami will land a 34-year-old former San Antonio Spurs star in a four-team trade centered on Antetokounmpo.

“There is also the possibility of the four-team deal with Miami, Boston (Celtics), and Milwaukee that was discussed above, in which Leonard ends up with the Heat, the (Los Angeles) Clippers get Jaylen Brown, the Bucks get the Clippers' No. 5 pick (plus other stuff), and Giannis goes to the Celtics.”

“If the Clippers don't trade Leonard this summer, they will have to look at dealing him at the deadline. He's on the books for $50.3 million this season, and then he's set to become a free agent in 2027. The Clippers cannot want to sign him to another multi-year deal, can they? If not, losing him for nothing would be silly.”

Like the Golden State Warriors, it would be in the Heat’s best interest to tab Leonard as a high-level Plan B superstar trade target if their Antetokounmpo pursuit falls short. From an age perspective, Antetokounmpo holds a slight advantage, as he’s three years younger than Leonard.

However, from a production standpoint, it would be nearly impossible to argue that Leonard doesn’t have a similar impact on the hardwood. The San Diego State product did everything he could to help the Clippers enjoy a successful campaign.

Per usual, Leonard was a methodical, quick-handed two-way stud the entire year, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three.

Simply put, Leonard, like Antetokounmpo, would give the Heat a great chance to thrive in a win-now Eastern Conference environment.

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