NBA Rumors: Miami Heat planning future moves for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Oladipo
What's the rumor?
Ever since completing a surprise sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler during the offseason, the Heat have been backed to sign a second star, and the likes of Chris Paul, Kevin Love, and DeMar DeRozan all being linked with a move to Miami. However, the Miami Herald is reporting that the Heat are prioritizing signing an All-Star such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Victor Oladipo in the summer of 2021:
Miami wants to preserve max cap space that summer for a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo or, secondarily, a few other targets including Victor Oladipo
In case you didn't know...
Giannis Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Bucks, and the 24-year-old was named MVP last season after an excellent campaign in which he led the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals. Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign the largest contract in NBA history in the 2020 offseason ahead of potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent the following season.
Meanwhile, Victor Oladipo was selected second overall by the Magic in 2013, and the shooting guard was a solid role player over three-years in Orlando and his season in Oklahoma City. However, since his trade to the Indiana Pacers in 2017, Oladipo has averaged 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on his way to establishing himself as a two-time All-Star
The heart of the matter
Several role players have stepped up for the Heat this season, and a 12-5 start to the season suggests that they can compete in the East without adding a second star. However, the organization must also show caution in planning too far ahead as the New York Knicks were among the teams in the 2019 offseason that were left empty-handed despite clearing the necessary cap space to sign two superstars.
What's next?
The Heat will be looking to continue their excellent form as they take on the Golden State Warriors this evening.