Following a long wait and countless rumors from the most credible sources, Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially been traded to the Miami Heat. He was sent to the South Beach along with Bobby Portis for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and a bunch of picks.
BLOCKBUSTER: The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, 3 first-round picks (including No. 13), 1 pick swap and 1 second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NQT5ZhdJU9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2026
That’s a blockbuster package, to say the least, and for Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, Antetokounmpo's move to the Heat means teams that missed out will pivot their interest directly towards the two-time champion.
Additionally, it must be noted that the news about Antetokounmpo was announced with less than a day to go before the NBA Draft. So, any second now, Leonard could be gone as well, especially if the Clippers’ goal is to obtain a lottery selection this year.
Several teams may begin calling the LA Clippers on Kawhi Leonard right away
As a result of Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade to the Miami Heat, Kawhi Leonard is, without a doubt, the top star on the market. He played like a top-seven player in basketball this past season, averaging an efficient 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, and by the end of it, earned extremely notable recognition, such as second-team All-NBA.
That said, the same seriously interested suitors for the two-time MVP that weren't able to get a deal done with the Milwaukee Bucks, like the Boston Celtics, and even the Portland Trail Blazers, who roster two of Antetokounmpo’s former teammates in Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, could dial up Lawrence Frank as soon as possible to get the big name they desire.
Both teams also need a star, and though their plans for Antetokounmpo may not have panned out as they expected, all hope should not disappear; Leonard is definitely available for the right price, and they have the assets to meet the LA Clippers’ wants.
Along with the Celtics and Trail Blazers are the Detroit Pistons, who may not have been in the hunt for Antetokounmpo, but still need massive help next to Cade Cunningham.
They’ve also been in rumors for Trey Murphy, indicating they’re actively looking to improve over the summer.
All in all, fans of the Clippers should gear up for the possibility of anything happening. No one knows whether a blockbuster announcement on Leonard will take place in the near future or later in the offseason, but one thing is for sure: Antetokounmpo's trade certainly changes a lot for LA.
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