{"id":204441,"date":"2026-07-09T09:15:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=204441"},"modified":"2026-07-09T09:29:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:29:24","slug":"miami-heat-giannis-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/09\/miami-heat-giannis-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Every Player Linked to the Miami Heat After Locking Giannis Antetokounmpo"},"content":{"rendered":"

During this offseason, the Miami Heat have pulled off the biggest stunt by bagging Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a>. But the team’s hunt doesn’t stop there. Next on the agenda is creating a roster with a solid structure strong enough to take the franchise to the championship next year. And to achieve this goal, the front office is busy scouting throughout the league for some gems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every player linked to the Miami Heat after locking Giannis Antetokounmpo\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

These <\/span>three<\/span> players have long been on the radar of the Heat’s front office and have lots to offer. Talks of associations are being held behind closed doors, but rumors are all around.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bradley Beal<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

LA Clippers guard Bradley Beal<\/a>\u00a0has gained the attention of Miami for a long while now. Throughout his stints with different teams, Beal has been linked to the Heat and remains a person of interest. Though health issues have cast a shadow, he could still <\/span>improve their offense<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Beal is on the open market after declining his $5.6 million player option with the Clippers. The\u00a0 2020-21 All-NBA player can be signed to a minimum veteran deal. But the Heat must act swiftly should they wish to secure him, as good players are being snapped up quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n

LeBron James<\/b><\/h3>\n

After Antetokounmpo, LeBron James<\/a> is undeniably the biggest catch this offseason. He might no longer be in his prime, but that hasn’t stopped the 41-year-old from currently being the most coveted player. Sitting atop the NBA hierarchy, he is being courted by many but is constantly drawn to Miami, where he holds a special place. A <\/span>preferred landing spot<\/span><\/a> on the player’s side, the Heat is also trying relentlessly to get him despite their low budget, as his pairing with Antetokounmpo would massively elevate their championship chances. <\/span><\/p>\n

Max Strus<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another name associated with Miami these days is <\/span>Max Strus<\/a>,<\/b> who played for them from 2020-23 as their shooting guard. <\/span>He is currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James’s former team, and there are rumors they could trade Strus to clear cap space for James. Bouncing from there, he could potentially <\/span>land in the Heat<\/span><\/a> as the team needs shooters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If the Cavaliers trade Max Strus soon, that could be a strong indication LeBron James is coming back, per @WindhorstESPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Moving Strus would allow Cleveland to increase their offer for LeBron. pic.twitter.com\/KDGE7dWofF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 8, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n