Heat Steal Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets Teammate as Perfect Fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The biggest news coming out of the Eastern Conference this offseason has been Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. And the ambition behind that move was clear. The Heat want the city of Miami to party the same way the New York Knicks fans celebrated their Championship win this season.

It seems that the Heat are already doing everything they can to build a solid contending roster after they recently signed Tim Hardaway Jr.

"Free agent sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. has agreed to a deal with the Miami Heat," NBA insider Sham Charania reported on X.

For the third consecutive season, Hardaway will be suiting up for another team. Last season, he played with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets under a one-year deal worth $3.6 million.

This time around, Hardaway is expecting to make $6.5 million from the Heat, nearly double his previous salary. Similar to his previous contract, he'll only play in Miami for a year, unless the team decides to offer him a contract extension before the regular season ends.

Bringing in Hardaway was a solid move by the Heat. Looking at Miami's current roster, they're lacking in the shooting department. Before signing the former Nuggets guard, Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins were the only two players with a flexible range in the lineup. Now with Hardaway, the Heat is adding more depth to the rotation.

Last season, Hardaway shot 40.7% from beyond the arc and 44.7% overall. His services will be needed, especially since Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo are primarily inside scorers.

NBA Veteran Doesn't See Giannis Antetokounmpo Winning With Miami in Year 1

Now that Antetokounmpo is with the Miami Heat, forming a big three with Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins, many believe the team can make significant strides. And while they should almost certainly finish higher than 10th, it may take time for them to get where they truly want to be.

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green sounded off on Antetokounmpo's situation in Miami. While he does see Giannis and the Heat becoming a big threat in their conference, those results might not be immediate like they expect them to be.

"As it stands today, I don’t think it leaves Giannis in a much better position next year than he would’ve been with the Bucks," Green said on his show. "However, in the long run, I think it definitely leaves them in a better position because you can build that team out."

"We saw even when LeBron and Chris Bosh went to the Miami Heat, that team looked a bit different the second year than the first year," Green continued. "Overall, Giannis getting to go to one of the places he preferred to go to, I think it’s great."

While Tim Hardaway Jr. may be the Heat's latest pickup in free agency, another major free agent could soon join the team. LeBron James has been heavily linked with a return to South Beach following Antetokounmpo's trade. But given the team's financial situation, that might be easier said than done. If James does end up in Miami, Draymond's sentiments could change drastically.