The Miami Heat are already 4-0-1 in their last five games — including a 143-117 blowout of the Atlanta Hawks on April 12, 2026 — but still want one more star to shock the Knicks in the East. So they’re eyeing a blockbuster swap that would pair Giannis Antetokounmpo with De’Aaron Fox.
What’s the proposed Miami Heat trade?
In a hypothetical deal, the Heat would send rising forward Nikola Jovic and veteran swingman Andrew Wiggins to San Antonio for All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox. Miami signed Jovic to a $63 million rookie extension before the 2025-26 season, but his slow development last year pushed the club to shop him. The Spurs, meanwhile, have young wings Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle rising fast, which could make Fox expendable. Fox, 28, just earned his second All-Star nod after averaging 18.9 points, 6.1 assists and 48.7% shooting in 31.2 minutes last season. He once dropped 23-plus points in five straight campaigns and outdueled Stephen Curry in a seven-game playoff series against the Warriors.
Why Miami Heat need another star
Even with Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and solid role players, the Heat still trail the league’s deepest teams. The Knicks boast more depth and firepower. Detroit has two emerging superstars. Cleveland’s starting five includes four All-Stars. Toronto just added Kawhi Leonard to an already improving roster. Miami’s defense could still rank first in the NBA next season thanks to Antetokounmpo’s five-position lockdown, Adebayo’s rim protection and Wiggins’ on-ball tenacity. But the club lacks an elite offensive creator outside Antetokounmpo. Fox would fill that role, giving Miami a dynamic backcourt duo that can run pick-and-rolls, attack the paint and space the floor.
What’s at stake for both sides
For Miami, the move upgrades the roster without surrendering multiple first-round picks. Jovic’s expiring contract and Wiggins’ $30 million salary make the package sweeter for San Antonio, which can absorb the salary while adding a young wing with upside. Fox, meanwhile, would get a larger role in Miami’s up-tempo attack and a chance to chase another ring. The Spurs, already deep in young talent, could pivot to rebuilding mode if they land Jovic and his $63 million deal. Both franchises could walk away feeling like winners if the deal gets done before training camp.
What comes next for the Heat
Miami’s front office has little left in its asset bank after landing Antetokounmpo, but this trade shows they’re willing to spend what’s left to push into title contention. The Heat’s next step is to finalize the Fox package and see if San Antonio bites. If the Spurs resist, Miami may pivot to other All-Star guards or forwards. One thing is clear: the Heat won’t stand pat after adding Giannis. They’re hunting for one more piece to scare the Knicks in the East.