Heat Trade Rumors: Miami's Giannis Antetokounmpo backup plan involves two Eastern Conference guards 

The Miami Heat has been active in the trade market as they are among the top teams for a possible trade for Milwaukee Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the possibility of a massive trade such as that remains bleak, the team are already looking at other options to upgrade their roster.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Heat are looking at Chicago Bulls' Coby White and the Boston Celtics' Anfernee Simons as a backup plan if the Antetokounmpo trade does not become available. Siegel also added that the Heat's trade deadline plans remain to be seen until they determine the availability of the Bucks superstar.

“Assuming Giannis isn't available, maybe the Heat will make a run at a smaller move for backcourt help like Coby White or Anfernee Simons," he wrote. "Until we know if Miami can go after Antetokounmpo, their trade deadline plans are on hold.”

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Giannis has been a target of multiple teams this season after he reportedly asked out of Milwaukee in the offseason. However, the Greek Freak stuck with the Bucks this season, prompting teams to be on the lookout for his availability before the trade deadline.

Giannis has only appeared in 17 games so far, and is averaging 28.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season. He has been out with a calf injury over the past month, while the Bucks are reeling at the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 12-18 record.

A possible acquisition of White or Simons would add depth to the Heat's guard rotation, which is currently anchored by Davion Mitchell and Tyler Herro.

The Heat are currently above the Bucks in the standings at the eighth spot with a 15-15 record.

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Heat head coach hopes to weaponize depth ahead of the trade deadline

The Heat has been changing its rotations for most of the season, and this is all according to plan. According to Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra, the team is looking to weaponize its depth this season.

“None of (the rotation) will be in cement and I don’t feel pressure to make it cement, whether it’s the starting lineup or whether it’s the rotation once we get into the bench,” Spoelstra said. “I’ve said it since the first day of training camp, we feel that our depth is one of our best strengths and we want to weaponize that.”

However, a possible trade for a superstar ahead of the trade deadline could hurt such depth. Until it happened, the Heat remained on course with their plan.

The trade day is set on Feb. 5.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo