The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics currently sit at the forefront of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s preferred trade destinations, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Miami has pursued the Milwaukee Bucks star for years and is expected to engage in serious discussions with the Bucks, Stein reports.
Boston’s level of interest is less certain. Any trade sending the two-time MVP to the Celtics would likely require Jaylen Brown and involve at least one additional team, creating a potentially franchise-altering scenario.
League sources told Stein that Antetokounmpo favors an Eastern Conference contender, steering clear of Western teams despite past curiosity about Dallas. The Thunder and Spurs’ rising young cores are viewed as long-term powers in the West, a factor that may be influencing the 31-year-old’s preference.
Mavericks Interest Remains Complicated
The Dallas Mavericks are not expected to make a push this summer, largely because the organization is focused on building around rookie centerpiece Cooper Flagg and lacks future first-round draft picks. Still, multiple sources say Antetokounmpo has long been intrigued by the idea of playing in Dallas.
His initial interest in the Mavericks emerged when teaming up with Luka Dončić seemed possible; Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. Antetokounmpo has continued monitoring the franchise, partly due to his close relationship with former head coach Jason Kidd, who parted ways with the club after five seasons.
Prior to this year’s trade deadline, Dallas conducted background checks to gauge whether Antetokounmpo still had interest. Kidd’s exit would not necessarily block a deal, Stein notes. New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri, who has a strong relationship with Antetokounmpo from their time linked in Toronto, could also play a role if circumstances shift.
Contract Situation
Antetokounmpo holds just one guaranteed year on his current contract and becomes eligible for an extension in October. Because of that limited term, he is expected to wield significant influence over any trade negotiations.
Source: Hoops Rumors
