Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the Miami Heat’s top target, but they are already eyeing two Western Conference stars in case Milwaukee chooses a different offer.
That is the risk in waiting out a superstar sweepstakes.
Miami needs its best offer ready and a backup plan mapped out.
Miami Heat Plan B includes Ja Morant and Kawhi Leonard
The Athletic reported that Miami is already lining up alternatives, writing: “League sources say the Grizzlies are hopeful that Morant will be some team’s Plan B when the dust settles on Antetokounmpo’s situation. The Heat, in particular, have long been known to have a serious interest in the 26-year-old, two-time All-Star.”
The same report added: “League sources also confirmed a report from NBA reporter Jake Fischer that the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard is on the Heat’s Plan B list.”
Giannis remains the swing. Miami’s reported package has centered on Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 13 pick, and future draft capital for the 31-year-old Bucks star. That has kept the Heat near the front of the race, but Milwaukee has not treated it as a final answer.
Boston is the danger. The Celtics have been linked as a team that could force the Bucks to pause if Jaylen Brown or a strong multi-team framework enters the discussion.
Kawhi Leonard trade may be harder than a Ja Morant move
Leonard will be the cleaner win-now target if the Clippers actually listen to offers. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting close to 49 percent from the field and 38 percent from three, keeping his two-way star case intact.
The problem is availability, both physical and transactional. The Clippers’ interest in a Leonard trade is unknown, and Miami would almost certainly need to save its biggest package for him if Giannis slips away.
Morant looks cheaper, but the risk is louder. ESPN listed him at 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists this season, while he shot 41 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three. That production came in only 20 games, with injuries and past off-court issues still shaping his market.
Memphis the field and 23.5 percent from three. That production came in only 20 games, with injuries and past off-court issues still shaping his market.
Memphis already found minimal interest when Morant was made available last season, according to reporting around the trade deadline. That could help Miami avoid using its full Giannis-level offer.
The Heat would prefer Antetokounmpo. If that fails, Leonard is the expensive swing, and Morant is the cheaper gamble. Either path shows Miami knows that standing still is the worst outcome.
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