Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo Dominating the Miami Heat's Offseason

The Giannis Antetokounmpo speculation will likely follow the Miami Heat until the season starts

Miami Heat team president Pat Riley has already hinted the organization is exploring options to improve the roster.

Even after last season's surprise run to the NBA Finals, he knows it's going to take more to win a championship.

“If there’s a next thing that can take us to another level, I’m open to it,” Riley said.

For the past year, there has been speculation about two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks joining the Heat.

The rumors have only gained steam in recent weeks. Last month The Athletic reported the Heat are going to make their move for Antetokounmpo next summer during free agency. A report Tuesday suggested he could be acquired via trade this season.

Regardless, Riley realizes the team is still in need of an upgrade if it is to remain in championship contention. At 75, Riley also doesn't have much time to waste before he finally decides to step down. 

"Can we get through the Eastern Conference next year with what’s happening in Philadelphia," Riley said. "Or what’s going to happen in Milwaukee or Brooklyn or Boston? We already know Boston’s got their team together and three first-round picks. Toronto? There’s a lot of very good teams. That’s was the question I kick around in my mind … are we good enough? Or do we need to get around to the next thing earlier.”

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Shandel Richardson
SHANDEL RICHARDSON

Shandel has covered the NBA since 2010, with previous stops at The Athletic and South Florida Sun-Sentinel.  He has covered six NBA Finals, one Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament. He has also been a beat writer for the Miami Hurricanes and contributed on every major beat in South Florida since 2003, including the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. He can also be read in the Sportsbook Review for gambling coverage from around the NBA. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Shandel attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He's also worked for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Kansas City Star.  TWITTER: @ShandelRich EMAIL: shandelrich@gmail.com You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here