Giannis Antetokounmpo is already flirting with one team, shutting down another

Once again, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be one of the most talked-about players in the NBA this offseason.

Things didn't end well between him and the Milwaukee Bucks, and while it's not the first time he's been tangled up in trade rumors, things might be different this time.

That's why Miami Heat fans should be thrilled to know that he's already laying the ground for a potential trade.

Talking to former Heat star Goran Dragic, the 2020-21 Finals MVP had some interesting things to say about the city of Miami. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo flirts with Heat, shuts down Lakers 

“Hey, Miami’s not a bad place, man. Beautiful, beautiful city, beautiful city,” Antetokounmpo told Dragic on his podcast (via Naveen Ganglani). “Beautiful city, believe it or not, believe it or not.”

However, it's not just about the weather for the former Defensive Player of the Year. When asked whether he'd rather Miami or Los Angeles to spend his vacation, he was quick to shut down the West Coast destination:

“Miami. Miami. Miami. I think L.A. is super superficial,” Antetokounmpo said. “I don’t like… I don’t like L.A.”

This might sound a little meaningless, but it definitely isn't. Giannis is quite intentional with every little thing he says or does, and he's made it loud and clear that he wants to win, and the Bucks haven't given him a contract extension.

The Heat have been in the mix to trade for a superstar for half a decade now. 

And while this doesn't mean the Bucks will simply do Giannis a favor and send him to his preferred destination, the timing of this interview and statement is far from coincidental.

As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they're always keeping tabs on the biggest names in the market, but it seems like Antetokounmpo isn't interested.