Giannis was 3rd MVP 2 years ago
Bill Simmons reminded listeners that Giannis earned a top-3 MVP finish just two years before the trade, though he cautioned about his recent playoff track record.
Snapshot · The Bill Simmons Podcast
Giannis to Miami! An Urgent Gathering Pod With Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier
Explore episode
Jun 23, 2026
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.
The Miami Giannis Trade Breakdown
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 gave up everything except Bam
Miami surrendered Tyler Herro, Khalil Ware, Hakim Shayok, the 13th pick, plus future unprotected picks and a swap — essentially their entire non-Bam roster.
Is Giannis Actually Better Off in Miami?
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.
Miami's Identity: Physical, Defensive, and Dangerous
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.
Bucks-Celtics trade talks: Milwaukee split on offers
Milwaukee's front office reportedly preferred Miami's package while ownership was divided over simply acquiring Jaylen Brown as a known, tradeable asset.
Front Offices Trade for Job Security
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.
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