Quote · The Bill Simmons Podcast
Giannis to Miami! An Urgent Gathering Pod With Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier
Where this was said
Heat trade for Giannis
At 11:31 · chapter starts 1:15
Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Justin Verrier tear apart the trade piece by piece. Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Khalil Ware, Hakim Shayok, the 13th pick, and future unprotected first-rounders — everything Miami had except Bam Adebayo. Verrier argues the package gives Milwaukee flexibility over a definitive star, while Simmons notes Bucks ownership was split: the front office preferred picks while owners wanted the certainty of Jaylen Brown. [1] — Chris Ryan "Chris Ryan invoked Giannis's own quote about being worried what kind of team he'd be walking into after a trade. The answer: probably not b…" 03:56 Chris Ryan raises the most uncomfortable question: is Giannis joining a better team? The Heat finished 10th in the East last year, and their new core of Bam, Giannis, Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell gives them a defensive identity but little else. Simmons frames Miami's move as a Hail Mary from a franchise that had no other options, while also crediting Pat Riley for still having the gravitational pull to land a top-25-all-time player. Verrier adds that the league is simply better with Miami as a villain, and Giannis returning to a competitive environment — however imperfect — is good for the sport.
Miami gave up everything except Bam Adebayo — Herro, Ware, Shayok, the 13th pick, two unprotected firsts, and a swap — for a player who hasn't been on a winning team in years. The Bucks got a patchwork of pieces from a 43-win team and some picks starting four years out.
Miami surrendered Tyler Herro, Khalil Ware, Hakim Shayok, the 13th pick, plus future unprotected picks and a swap — essentially their entire non-Bam roster.
Chris Ryan invoked Giannis's own quote about being worried what kind of team he'd be walking into after a trade. The answer: probably not better than Milwaukee. Bam is a great teammate, but this Heat roster isn't a title contender from day one.
While the Knicks run high-octane offense, Miami can build an identity as a bruising defensive team from day one. The Bam-Giannis-Wiggins-Mitchell core is built to ugly up games and contrast every offense-first contender in the East.
Milwaukee's front office reportedly preferred Miami's package while ownership was divided over simply acquiring Jaylen Brown as a known, tradeable asset.
Milwaukee's front office preferred Miami's scattered package over a straight Jaylen Brown deal, and Bill Simmons explains exactly why: picks and young pieces give a front office years of cover. Jaylen comes with expectations and accountability. Front offices love trades that let them say 'we're rebuilding' for half a decade.
