The NBA offseason is always a fertile breeding ground for trade speculation, but few rumors have stirred the pot quite like the latest chatter surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks and their alleged pursuit of Miami Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro. Multiple league sources have hinted that the Bucks are evaluating trade frameworks that could land them the 24-year-old guard in a multi-team deal, with implications that could shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. As the Bucks look to reload around their championship core of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Herro’s name has surfaced as a potential puzzle piece in what might become one of the offseason’s most consequential transactions.
Herro, the Milwaukee native and former Kentucky star, has been a consistent scorer for the Miami Heat since being drafted in 2019. He’s averaged 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over his career and was the 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. However, despite his offensive prowess and microwave scoring abilities, Herro’s name has floated in trade talks for multiple offseasons, particularly as the Heat have chased big-name superstars and looked to tweak their lineup to stay competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of the league. While Miami has previously shown reluctance to part with Herro, the dynamics might have shifted, especially if a multi-team deal can help them net pieces that fit better around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
For Milwaukee, the motivation to acquire Herro seems rooted in a desire to bolster their perimeter scoring and youth movement without sacrificing their immediate title aspirations. Following a second consecutive disappointing playoff exit—this time at the hands of the Indiana Pacers—the Bucks’ front office, led by general manager Jon Horst, is reportedly re-evaluating the structure of their supporting cast. Khris Middleton’s recurring health issues and the need for a reliable third scoring option behind Giannis and Lillard have only intensified Milwaukee’s search for a dynamic two-guard who can thrive in half-court settings and stretch the floor. Herro’s skill set fits the mold, and his Milwaukee ties add an emotional undercurrent to the speculation.
However, making the numbers work is a challenge. Herro is owed over $93 million across the next three seasons, with his contract set to escalate as the NBA salary cap expands under the new collective bargaining agreement. For Milwaukee to absorb such a deal without triggering serious luxury tax penalties, they would likely need to move several contracts, possibly including rotation players like Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, or even Brook Lopez, depending on the configuration. A third team could be instrumental in this, potentially absorbing salary or facilitating a draft pick shuffle that makes the deal palatable for all sides.
The Miami Heat’s perspective is equally intriguing. If they’re finally open to parting with Herro, it likely signals a shift in priorities. Miami has long been linked to backcourt upgrades, and a three-team deal involving Herro could open pathways to acquiring a more defensive-minded wing or an experienced point guard to back up or even complement Butler. The Heat’s recent reliance on undrafted gems has been admirable, but there is a sense around the league that Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra are aiming to make one last big splash before Butler’s window begins to narrow. Offloading Herro’s contract might also give them more flexibility heading into future free agency cycles, especially if they’re able to recoup a promising young player or a high-value draft asset.
Several teams have been floated as possible third-party participants in this rumored transaction. The Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz have all been mentioned in speculative frameworks, largely because of their cap flexibility, rebuilding timelines, or asset stockpiles. The Jazz, in particular, have shown a willingness to take on contracts in exchange for future draft capital, and their interest in young guards could position them as a logical partner. Meanwhile, the Nets could facilitate a trade with veteran wings like Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O’Neale, depending on what each team values in return.
