It's no secret that the Miami Heat are targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo when he hits free agency in the summer of 2021. But so do 29 other teams around the Association. The Heat certainly have a shot of luring the reigning NBA MVP away from the Milwaukee Bucks. However, that will depend on the timing of Bam Adebayo's contract extension, as The Miami Herald suggests:

That’s why it’s incumbent upon the Heat to explain to Adebayo why he needs to wait on an extension, why his best chance of winning big would be enhanced if Miami has the cap space available to augment its Butler/Adebayo/Duncan Robinson/Tyler Herro/Kendrick Nunn young cast in 2021.

The expectation here is that Adebayo — who shares the same agent with Antetokounmpo (Chicago-based Alex Saratsis) — would understand and be amenable to that.

Adebayo surely deserves a massive payday with the Heat, especially with his breakout campaign this 2019-20 season. Still, they are targeting an enormous fish in Antetokounmpo, who would undoubtedly make them perennial championship favorites. Preserving their cap space for 2021 needs to be their top priority. By delaying Adebayo's extension, Miami can sign The Greek and keep their All-Star big man in the process.

Adebayo would certainly understand the situation if it means that it would increase their chances to win multiple titles for years to come. The Heat have been praising Adebayo all year for stepping up as one of the team's franchise stars this season. The 22-year old earned his first All-Star nod by posting nightly averages of 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

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Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, is turning in another MVP worthy campaign for the Bucks this season. Prior to the abrupt suspension of the season, The Greek Freak led the Bucks to the best record in the NBA. Antetokounmpo staying in Milwaukee seems to highly depend on whether the Bucks can win the NBA championship within the next two seasons.

The Heat certainly hopes they don't.