The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade landscape just shifted dramatically, and Miami's suddenly in the driver's seat. While everyone assumed New York was the runaway favorite, two veteran reporters just revealed the Knicks aren't even seriously pursuing him, and Giannis would actually prefer Miami as his backup destination.
Longtime NBA insider Brian Windhorst dropped the first bombshell on ESPN's Get Up, explaining why New York's been quiet despite all the speculation: "The Knicks believe in this team…They are not showing that aggression to get Giannis right now, and I think that's because they like this team."
Then Howard Beck of The Ringer appeared on The Zach Lowe Show and revealed something even more significant about Giannis' actual preferences: "Again, in doing the Giannis story and talking to people around the league, Miami was suggested to me as a place Giannis would really love to land if it's not New York."
Miami is officially ahead of everyone else in the Giannis sweepstakes
It's official, then: the team many around the association initially pegged as Giannis' preferred landing spot isn't aggressively pursuing him after all because they're happy with their current roster. New York is essentially removing itself from serious contention, which completely changes the dynamics of any potential trade.
The Heat just became the odds-on favorite to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. They check every box he reportedly wants: sun, big market, championship culture, and they're actually interested in making a deal, unlike New York.
It's not difficult to imagine that Pat Riley has probably been working the phones since these reports surfaced. He knows he's got leverage now that New York's effectively out and Giannis has Miami on his wishlist. The Heat can construct a competitive offer without mortgaging their entire future, and they've got organizational credibility that makes them attractive to superstars.
For Milwaukee, this is both good and bad news. Good because Miami has actual assets to offer if they're really parting ways with their franchise player. They have the young talent, some picks, and the kind of package that could facilitate a real rebuild. But it's also bad news because they (in theory) lose the leverage of a Knicks-Heat bidding war if New York's not seriously involved.
Miami just went from a possible destination to the clear frontrunner in the span of 24 hours. The Knicks removing themselves from aggressive pursuit while Giannis reportedly loves the idea of Miami is the perfect storm for Pat Riley to work his magic.
The Heat have won the positioning battle. Now they just need to construct an offer good enough to get Milwaukee to pull the trigger, while Giannis' preference gives them negotiating leverage over other suitors.
New York is out. Miami's in. The Giannis sweepstakes just became a lot less complicated and a lot more favorable for the Heat.