Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly has a preferred trade destination

The Milwaukee Bucks are inching closer to their self-imposed deadline to make a decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Team owner Jimmy Haslam said he'd like to have this matter resolved by June 23's NBA Draft, and with less than two weeks left, the clock is ticking.

While they may want to wait until after the NBA Finals to see whether the New York Knicks and/or San Antonio Spurs enter the sweepstakes, Antetokounmpo already has several strong suitors.

According to NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, Antetokounmpo also has a preferred destination; he wants to take his talents to South Beach. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to play for the Heat

“Sources close to the process consistently say that they believe that Miami is at the top of Antetokounmpo’s current wish list,” Stein and Fischer reported.

Other teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are also expected to be in play, and — as crazy as it may seem — even the Oklahoma City Thunder might be a player. Nevertheless, the former Finals MVP reportedly has no interest in playing in the West:

“Chatter persists that Antetokounmpo, in any case, is determined to stay in the Eastern Conference.”

That said, Antetokounmpo doesn't have a no-trade clause. What he does have is a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, but that's pretty much where his leverage ends.

As much as the Bucks could look to do right by him and send him to his preferred destination, they also have to figure out what's best for the organization. 

As such, he'll likely end up with whoever is willing to give up the most valuable trade package, regardless of his preferences or opportunities to compete for another NBA championship.