NBA analyst Bill Simmons is not on board with the potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade that everyone keeps discussing.
The Ringer founder broke down the rumored deal on his podcast and explained that both sides are setting themselves up for trouble.
Bill Simmons Opposes Bucks-Heat Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Miami has become the frontrunner to land the two-time NBA MVP, with reports indicating that the Heat’s package would include Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a future first-round pick. Simmons looked at what Milwaukee would get back and what Miami would be left with, and he is not sold on the deal for either side.
“I don’t like the trade for Milwaukee or Miami. I actually don’t like it for either team. If I’m trading Giannis, I don’t like what I’m getting back. If I’m Miami, I’ve traded all this stuff away so I can have Giannis and Bam [Adebayo], and I don’t know where I’m going with that. Can I even win one playoff round?” he said.
From the Bucks’ perspective, Simmons is underwhelmed by Miami’s offer. However, he also believes that if the Heat made this trade, they wouldn’t have enough talent remaining around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo to contend. In fact, he questioned if the new-look Heat would even win a single playoff series.
Miami posted a 43-39 record this season and got knocked out in the Play-In Tournament, a disappointing finish that prompted Pat Riley to vow to be aggressive this offseason.
The Bucks were even worse, finishing with a 32-50 record and missing the playoffs altogether. Simmons’ concerns line up with the general feeling around the league that nobody, including Miami, has actually met Milwaukee’s asking price yet.
Since Miami’s offer hasn’t wowed the Bucks, other teams have entered the Giannis sweepstakes. The Boston Celtics have reportedly made an offer for Antetokounmpo, adding more uncertainty to a situation that was already messy. Boston’s trade would likely involve Jaylen Brown and a third team to facilitate rather than a straight-up deal between the Bucks and Celtics.
It remains to be seen if Miami will increase its offer or if the Celtics can swoop in and steal Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks’ proposed deadline of the 2026 NBA Draft is rapidly approaching.
Last season, Antetokounmpo sppeared in 36 games and averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks while shooting 62.4% from the field.
