NBA Insider Believes One Eastern Conference Team Has Emerged as the Clear Favorite for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Though that statement immediately intensified speculation surrounding the two-time MVP, whose future has become the biggest storyline of the NBA offseason. Multiple reports have indicated Milwaukee wants clarity on Antetokounmpo’s long-term plans before the June 24 draft.

And as the league-wide belief has it, a trade could happen if no extension agreement is reached. That is where Miami has quietly hovered around the top of Giannis rumors for months. But there are still parts to it, given that the intrigue comes from Miami’s trade package.

Tyler Herro remains the obvious centerpiece in any potential deal. The former All-Star and Milwaukee native has averaged more than 20 points per game across the past five seasons and would immediately become one of the Bucks’ primary offensive options in a post-Giannis era.

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Boston Celtics Even A Possibility?

Apart from the Miami Heat sweepstakes, the idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Boston Celtics has quickly become one of the NBA offseason’s loudest rumors. And there are many takeaways from the speculation, too. 

Pairing Giannis with Jayson Tatum under Joe Mazzulla would instantly create one of the most dangerous teams basketball has seen in years. But despite all the noise, there is still a major gap between speculation and reality.

Only recently, Brian Windhorst threw cold water on the growing buzz this week, making it clear that two key pieces are still missing from the conversation. According to Windhorst, there is currently no indication that Boston is aggressively pursuing Antetokounmpo, nor any confirmation that Giannis would commit long-term to the Celtics if traded there.

Additionally, Boston can only justify a move of this magnitude if the Greek Freak is willing to stay beyond a short-term window. Any trade would almost certainly require the Celtics to move Jaylen Brown, which would completely change the structure of their roster.