NBA: 5 teams that are impacted the most by Giannis’ max extension

James Harden defends Giannis Antetokounmpo (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
James Harden defends Giannis Antetokounmpo (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
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Miami Heat
Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat makes this list because I’m not sure there was a team that was linked more to Giannis Antetokounmpo over the last few seasons than them. With Giannis officially off the market, the expectation that the Heat will pivot in a new direction in adding another star to the team.

Though, there’s no clear-cut next option. In the past, the Heat has been rumored to be interested in Victor Oladipo and have their eyes on Bradley Beal (though, the Washington Wizards have shown no intention of trading him). The Heat could kick tires on any of those ideas, but neither of those seems all too plausible at this point.

One other option, of course, is potentially pursuing James Harden. Even though the Heat would likely have to utilize all its assets to even explore the idea of Harden, there’s still a good chance that the Rockets would get a better offer on the open market.

Other than the Bucks, there might not be a team that was impacted the most by Giannis Antetokounmpo signing his extension than the Miami Heat. Now, one of the best front offices in the NBA must pivot. It’ll be interesting to see how they do so.