For Miami Heat standout Jaime Jaquez, the 2026 NBA offseason has been filled with rumors surrounding his name amid the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga.
With the Heat being viewed as the likely landing spot for Antetokounmpo, Jaquez is one of several names on the Miami roster who could be on the move if something between the Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks gets done.
Recently, Jaquez addressed the rumors head-on, giving fans clarity on his mindset.
Miami Heat’s 25-Year-Old Standout Gets Honest On Giannis Trade Rumors
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
âI feel like itâs just the way it is being on a Miami Heat team,â Jaquez told reporters during a Zoom call on Friday, June 5, according to the Miami Herald.
âI think that itâs kind of normal. Iâve been here for what, three years now? And every summer thereâs a big rumor. So Iâve kind of just gotten used to it. Itâs nice to get out of the country and see new things, and Brazil is beautiful.â
The 25-year-old guard has had a strong run in Miami so far, but there’s no telling if he’ll get to stick with the team throughout the remainder of his rookie contract.
Jaime Jaquez’s Miami Heat Run
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 26: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat in action at Kaseya Center on November 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Jaquez entered the NBA out of UCLA in 2023. He was a first-round pick for the Heat (18th overall), and developed into one of the top rookies of his class in year one.
After playing in 75 games and averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a rookie, Jaquez was added to the NBA’s All-Rookie Team as a First Team member.
During year two, Jaquez’s numbers dipped. He appeared in just 66 games, seeing the court for eight fewer minutes on average. Jaquez produced 8.6 points per game, while shooting 46.6% from the field.
In 2025-2026, Jaquez bounced back. Getting back to his rookie season playing time, Jaquez was one of the top reserves in the game. He came off the bench for 74 games and shot 50.7% from the field to average 15.4 points. Jaquez came down with 5.0 rebounds per game and produced 4.7 assists per game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors To Miami Heat
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo warms up before a game. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Bucks don’t want to end the Giannis era in Milwaukee, but they might not have a choice. Plenty of teams will make the call, but ultimately, Giannis will have a say in where he ends up if the trade is getting done.
All signs point to Giannis having an interest in going to Miami. The Bucks also liked the Heat’s February offer, which was rumored to include Jaquez.
The young veteran isn’t guaranteed to pack up and leave South Beach, but it’s certainly a possibility. In the meantime, Jaquez has admittedly tried to avoid social media so he can stay focused amid the trade saga.
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