As NBA free agency settles into a quieter phase, a speculative three-team trade has emerged involving Tyler Herro that could reshape the rosters of the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Hawks. This proposed deal, circulating in basketball circles, would send Herro to Milwaukee, while the Heat would acquire substantial future draft capital, reflecting ongoing strategic moves by all three teams ahead of the upcoming season.
The trade discussion revolves around addressing key roster needs while positioning teams financially and competitively for the medium to long term, particularly amid uncertainty around player contracts and team dynamics in the Eastern Conference. The Tyler Herro Milwaukee trade proposal highlights these shifting priorities.
Atlanta Hawks’ Aggressive Offseason Moves and Roster Priorities
The Atlanta Hawks have been active this offseason, reinforcing their squad after acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and drafting Asa Newell. They further bolstered their backcourt by signing guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade deal valued at $62 million over four years, which also cost them a 2027 second-round pick originally from Cleveland. Alongside him, the Hawks secured guard Luke Kennard with a one-year, $11 million contract, and added an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in a separate trade effort aimed at strengthening their depth.
With injuries looming in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta appears committed to contending next season. However, the Hawks still have roster holes, specifically at small forward, a third center position, and additional ball-handling roles. Currently, they hold one free roster spot after signing last year’s second-round pick Nikola Durisic and reportedly adding Magic forward Caleb Houstan to a one-year deal. The Hawks’ addition of Andre Jackson Jr. in this trade proposal would aim to fill some of these gaps.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Bold Moves to Keep Giannis and Contend
The Bucks made headlines by stretching and waiving Damian Lillard’s contract to free salary space and facilitate the signing of Myles Turner, a move signaling their intent to lock in superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While these steps strengthen the frontcourt, Milwaukee still needs improvements in their backcourt to assemble a true championship contender.
The proposal to bring Tyler Herro onboard positions him as a potentially key backcourt piece. Aligning Herro with Giannis and Turner would aim to return the Bucks to NBA Finals contention. However, this comes with financial risks, as extending Herro’s contract could peg the Bucks to a significant commitment—particularly if team success falters or Giannis requests a trade in the near future.
Miami Heat’s Financial Strategy and Uncertain Future with Tyler Herro
Miami finds itself in a precarious situation, consistently qualifying for the playoffs but not posing a serious NBA Finals threat with its current roster. The franchise values financial flexibility, keeping payroll clear to maximize future free agency opportunities, particularly with Bam Adebayo signed long-term but many other key players nearing contract decisions.
Herro’s looming extension is a sticking point. Eligible for a $149.7 million three-year extension this October, Herro could command an even larger $206.9 million deal in 2026 if he opts to wait. His impressive offensive skills contrast with defensive liabilities, creating doubt about Miami’s willingness to invest heavily in him long term.
Trading Herro now, while controversial, could free cap space and bring in valuable future draft assets, potentially securing the Heat’s financial and competitive outlook. Yet Miami risks weakening its immediate roster depth, especially if players like Terry Rozier are unavailable or underperforming.
Details of the Proposed Trade and Team Motivations
The proposed trade would send Andre Jackson Jr. to the Hawks; Tyler Herro would move to the Bucks; and the Heat would receive Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, plus unprotected first-round picks in 2031 (via Milwaukee) and a 2032 first-round pick swap.
For the Hawks: Adding Andre Jackson Jr. provides a cost-effective, defensively capable guard with decent three-point shooting (38.5% career), fitting into their strategy of roster depth without approaching luxury tax penalties. Jackson could develop further within Atlanta’s system, potentially spending time with their strong G-League affiliate, College Park, while rounding out the bench rotation.
For the Heat: The main appeal is financial flexibility. They would clear salary by moving Herro’s impending extension risk and receive two high-value future picks from Milwaukee. Those picks could be instrumental for Miami’s rebuilding or retooling phases, especially if the Bucks falter or if Giannis moves on and those picks become trade chips for bigger assets.
For the Bucks: Acquiring Herro could be the final piece to reinvigorate their backcourt and complement Giannis and Turner. Herro would be positioned as a primary secondary scorer, aiming to help the Bucks return to their former NBA Finals competitiveness. However, Milwaukee’s willingness hinges on committing to Herro’s sizeable extension and the gamble that this pairing will deliver championship contention within the contractual window.
Potential Downsides and Reservations for Each Team
Hawks’ perspective: While Jackson is a promising addition, he remains a relatively unproven player, and relying on him to fill significant roster gaps could be risky given Atlanta’s championship ambitions.
Heat’s concerns: Kyle Kuzma struggled during his recent time with Milwaukee, and losing Herro’s offensive production may weaken Miami in the short term, especially given uncertainties around Rozier’s availability and form. Historically, the Heat, under Pat Riley, avoid moves that diminish their competitiveness immediately, casting doubt on the trade’s likelihood.
Bucks’ risks: Committing to Herro’s extension is a financial gamble; if Milwaukee does not secure championships soon or if Giannis departs, the franchise could be saddled with a massive, burdensome contract that limits future flexibility.
Contextualizing the Trade within NBA Team Strategies
This speculative trade provides a lens into how NBA franchises simultaneously juggle on-court needs, salary cap management, and future assets to position themselves competitively. The Hawks’ moves reflect a push to build around their core with affordable complementary players. The Bucks are aggressively trying to lock in their superstar while adding talent, and the Heat weigh the balance of retaining current contributors versus maintaining cap room for future roster construction.
Tyler Herro’s value and contractual situation make him a pivotal figure in these discussions. Although his elite offensive skills are undeniable, concerns about defense and contract size complicate his trade viability. The Heat’s willingness to move him would signal a strategic pivot, prioritizing financial prudence and draft capital over immediate roster stability.
What Might Follow from This Trade Talk
Though purely speculative, this trade proposal illustrates underlying tensions and priorities affecting these teams as the 2024-25 NBA season approaches. Should the Heat decide to part ways with Herro, acquiring multiple future first-round picks might facilitate a longer-term rebuild or trade leverage. For the Bucks, acquiring Herro would mark a bold move to contend immediately but carries the risk of financial inflexibility.
The Hawks would gain a low-cost guard to supplement their roster depth, though this comes with uncertainty around his development and impact. Ultimately, whether any version of this trade materializes depends on evolving team assessments, player performances, and contract negotiations in the coming months.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Katya and Tyler Herro still together?
A. NBA player Tyler Herro is dating Katya Elise Henry. Their relationship details are mostly private. However, they publicly support each other, as seen in her Instagram posts.
Q. Was Tyler Herro ever an all-star?
A. Tyler Herro made his NBA All-Star debut, becoming the 11th Miami Heat player to achieve this honor. He is the first Heat guard since Dwyane Wade in the 2018-19 season to receive an All-Star selection.