New LeBron-Heat Rumors Leak After Giannis Trade amid Lakers Contract, NBA Retirement Decision

Despite the massive addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo via a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, the Miami Heat are reportedly not considered a likely destination for LeBron James in free agency.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat could offer James a full mid-level exception, but LeBron accepting such an offer to return to Miami is "considered a long shot."

The 41-year-old James is set to become a free agent when the negotiation period begins on June 30, and he will arguably be the most highly sought-after player available.

LeBron has yet to make an official announcement regarding whether he plans to play a 24th NBA season or retire, but he proved last season that he still has the ability to be a difference-maker.

Although James' 20.9 points per game matched the lowest scoring average of his career, he also delivered 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per contest, and he made 51.5 percent of his shots from the field.

The four-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Finals MVP has spent his past eight seasons with the Lakers, and L.A. is capable of offering him more than essentially any other team in terms of a contract.

There has also been plenty of smoke recently regarding James re-signing with the Lakers, as ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported last week that LeBron's "focus" was on getting a deal done with the Lakers, and ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported that LeBron was "likely coming back" to the Lakers:

Windhorst previously named the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors as other teams that would have interest in signing James, but they are unable to offer a "competitive salary," much like the Heat.

James enjoyed enormous success during his first run with the Heat from 2010 to 2014, reaching four NBA Finals, winning two championships, and earning two NBA MVP awards and two NBA Finals MVP awards.

He formed a "Big Three" with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and he could do something similar once again in Miami with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

An argument can even be made that the Heat would offer him a better opportunity to contend for a championship next season as well, but there are many factors pointing toward a potential return to the Lakers.

James has laid his roots down in L.A. and gets to play alongside his son, Bronny. The Lakers also figure to make the best offer for his services, while giving him a chance to vie for a championship with Luka Dončić leading the way.