The last time Pat Riley assembled an NBA superteam, the project proved successful and his efforts gave LeBron James the chance to capture two league titles. Riley is said to be on it again, recruiting NBA superstars for the Miami Heat with a focus on getting Giannis Antetokounmpo out Milwaukee.
The Heat president has his eyes on big targets such as Bradley Beal and Victor Oladipo but the executive will want to shoot for the stars. Riley is looking to lure Antetokounmpo from the Bucks though it remains unclear if the move will happen this offseason or in 2021, when the Greek Freak will enter free agency.
Fadeaway World pointed to the predictions made by analysts that the Heat will be on a shopping spree in the season break and Riley's goal is to make his three chief targets wear the Miami jersey next season. It is expected that at least one of the big names mentioned will sign on with Riley's pitch.
But the chance is high that Miami can convince all three to join up. Per the same report, it will be hard to resist the lure of the Florida lifestyle plus the opportunity to be part of a team that can win for them NBA rings. And since Jimmy Butler is already on the roster, it should be an easy sell for Riley that these superstars will be linking up with a superteam.
The Heat have the cap space to support the project and Riley is expected to go all-out to make the case on Antetokounmpo, that is if the reigning league MVP is willing to hear him out.
Now that is likely to happen if the report from NBC Sports will prove correct. Citing Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, the report said Antetokounmpo will end up in Miami or Toronto if the star would make his exit from Milwaukee this summer or next.
The 24-year-old suddenly walking from the Bucks would be the biggest free agency news in the coming weeks and pundits said it could happen if Milwaukee will be knocked out, ironically by the Heat, in the ongoing NBA semifinals showdown. The series between the two teams now stands at 3-0 with Miami on the lead so the possibility appears to be shaping up for Antetokounmpo's departure.
It's only logical that in leaving his current team, the Bucks forward will join an organization that will offer the best chance of realizing his dream of owning NBA titles. That promise the Heat can surely give and it's the same thing for the Toronto Raptors, who are trying to defend their first championship.
There was a mention in the report that Golden State would be on the play too if Antetokounmpo will look for a home to represent in the NBA but the Warriors are not seen as among the top contenders. In any case, NBC said the Dubs are likely to continue their pursuit of the rising NBA superstar.
They are, after all, touted as the leading party that Antetokounmpo will join if the fun in Milwaukee will come to an end abruptly. Recent reports indicated the Greek Freak looks up to Stephen Curry and could be the main reason for the younger to relocate to the Bay Area.
