Updated

Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 21

Heat Land 2-Time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for Herro, Jaquez Jr. as Riley Eyes Another Star

Updated

Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 21

Heat Land 2-Time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for Herro, Jaquez Jr. as Riley Eyes Another Star

Q: Is Miami's new big three with Giannis, Bam, and potentially LeBron destined to become the NBA's next unbeatable dynasty?

No. Miami looks like a serious contender, not a destined or “unbeatable” dynasty. The part that is real is the Giannis Antetokounmpo-Bam Adebayo core. That pairing gives Miami one of the league’s most imposing defensive frontcourts, and Giannis immediately raises the team’s ceiling after a missed-playoff season. Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra also have a long record of maximizing star talent, and Giannis has openly embraced Miami’s demanding culture. But “dynasty” is a much bigger claim. LeBron James is still only a possibility, not a completed move, so the supposed big three does not yet exist. Even if he arrives, he would be 41 entering the season, which makes sustained multi-year dominance hard to project. The modern NBA also works against superteams: the new CBA’s second-apron penalties make it harder to keep depth, add role players, and maintain flexibility around expensive stars. There are also basketball concerns. Miami still needs more shooting and lineup balance, especially with Giannis and Bam sharing the frontcourt. Spoelstra can adapt the offense, but spacing will matter in playoff settings. Health is another major variable: Giannis played only 36 games last season because of calf and knee issues, even if he now says he is fully recovered. The market reflects that caution. Miami’s odds improved sharply after the trade, but the Heat are viewed as contenders, not overwhelming favorites. The move may open a championship window. It does not guarantee a dynasty.

Q: Did Milwaukee's hesitation result in one of the worst returns for a superstar in modern NBA history?

Probably not one of the very worst in modern NBA history, but clearly a disappointing return relative to what Milwaukee likely could have gotten earlier. The evidence points to timing as the central problem. Giannis had signaled openness to leaving as far back as May 2025, yet Milwaukee let the saga drag on for 407 days and ultimately dealt him with only one year left on his contract and fresh health concerns after a 36-game season. That reduced the market to teams confident they could keep him, weakening the Bucks’ leverage. The package from Miami was substantial in volume but light on elite certainty: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 pick in 2026, unprotected firsts in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 swap, and a 2033 second-rounder. Analysts described it as “nice” and “decent,” but also “uninspiring” for a player of Antetokounmpo’s stature because it lacked a clear franchise centerpiece. That is why the trade is being judged harshly. Reports say Milwaukee passed on a Boston offer built around Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks, choosing long-term optionality over a proven star. Some evaluators still defend the deal as the best available for a full reset, especially given the future pick upside. So the stronger answer is that Milwaukee’s hesitation cost it a better return and made this look underwhelming for a superstar. But calling it one of the worst superstar returns ever goes further than the available evidence supports.

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 21

Miami framed the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal as the start of a new era after a 43-win season that ended without a playoff berth, with Pat Riley saying the 31-year-old wanted to win and leave his comfort zone.
Antetokounmpo gives the Heat an elite interior force—roughly 28 to 30 points and 10 to 12 rebounds a night, with better than 60% shooting in each of the last three seasons—but his arrival likely forces Erik Spoelstra to shift toward more pick-and-rolls, post-ups and half-court sets.
Shooting is the clearest roster question because Miami is expected to play long stretches with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo together, even though Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell topped 39% from three last season and recent additions Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. cleared 41%.
Health is the biggest caveat: Antetokounmpo played only 36 games last season because of multiple calf injuries, after also missing the 2024 postseason with a calf issue.
Riley is already looking beyond the blockbuster, openly signaling interest in a LeBron James reunion that could address Miami's playmaking needs, though James had not decided his next team at publication.