Giannis Antetokounmpo Ready to Leave Bucks Knicks and Heat Emerge

Merlin sees the great shift. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly "ready for a new home," with rival teams already making aggressive offers and the trade deadline looming on Feb. 5. New York and Miami are top suitors in the chatter, but talks with the Knicks stalled and pick restrictions complicate any swap. Giannis is also sidelined with a calf strain and "expects to be out at least four to six weeks," which clouds immediate plans. Merlin notes the chessboard: Miami has usable firsts and looks like the "likeliest" landing spot, while New York’s limited tradable picks are a hurdle. The Bucks could wait for summer cap openings to widen the market. Expect noise, posturing, and a possible slow-motion breakup that may finish after the deadline.