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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks off the court after working out before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum on February 04, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

When it comes to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market, the Miami Heat were clearly one of the most aggressive suitors on the other line for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis is far from the only star the Heat have pursued in recent years, but it’s very clear they are willing to put together a deep package in order to acquire the former MVP.

But should Miami shift its priority to another star out West?

According to ESPN, an anonymous NBA executive from the Eastern Conference recently wondered about Kawhi Leonard’s trade status and why teams haven’t gone into a high pursuit of him, looking beyond Giannis, who is by far the biggest name on the market.

NBA Executive Wonders About Kawhi Leonard

GettyTORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 19: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks react during the first half in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

“Every day you hear about what’s going to happen with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], but everyone ignores that Kawhi has been better and healthier over the last two seasons,” an East executive told ESPN. “If you had a chance to acquire one or the other, I might go Kawhi.”

Leonard just wrapped up his sixth season with the Clippers. He is entering the final year of his current deal.

Last year, Leonard appeared in 65 games. He shot 50.5% from the field to average 27.9 points. Leonard also came down with 6.4 rebounds per game and dished out 3.6 assists per game. While the Clippers had a shockingly disappointing start to the year, Leonard got hot and had them back on track as a threat in the West for a bit.

Unfortunately, the Clippers came up short in the NBA Play-In Tournament. They face a lot of questions for 2026-2027—as do the Miami Heat.

Should The Miami Heat Pursue Kawhi Leonard Over Giannis Antetokounmpo?

GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers controls the ball against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Intuit Dome on March 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Health and availability are keys to success for stars in the NBA. Leonard’s most recent campaign was better than Antetokounmpo’s in every way. Giannis played in just 36 games in 2025-2026.

Still, Antetokounmpo should be viewed as more trustworthy in that department. He played in at least 67 games in the previous two seasons. Kawhi last crossed that mark in 2023-2024, and that was the first time since 2016-2017.

The chances of Miami changing lanes and going for Kawhi over Giannis are slim. However, if the Bucks choose to hold Antetokounmpo—or send him somewhere else—the Heat should certainly consider Kawhi Leonard a top trade target.

The star forward has a lot of baggage, but it doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Leonard will earn $50 million in 2026-2027, but then the contract expires. The acquisition cost wouldn’t be in the same ballpark, and one year of Kawhi for a team could come with the ultimate prize (see Toronto Raptors in 2019).