Miami and Portland remain the only franchises engaged in ongoing trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. While no other club is currently negotiating with Milwaukee, several teams continue to track the situation.
Celtics linger as potential bidder
According to Fischer, Boston has not opened substantive discussions with the Bucks and has yet to seriously weigh sending out Jaylen Brown. However, multiple contacts said neither option has been dismissed. Antetokounmpo works with the same skills coach as Jayson Tatum (Drew Hanlen) and has privately expressed interest in Boston, factors that have Miami’s front office more concerned about a Celtics offer than Portland’s, Fischer added.
Questions for Portland
The Trail Blazers remain aggressive, but uncertainty over the two-time MVP’s willingness to sign an extension in Oregon could limit how far Portland is prepared to go, according to the report.
Former suitors cool off
The Timberwolves and Warriors explored Antetokounmpo deals at February’s deadline, yet both organizations are viewed as minor players in current discussions, Fischer wrote.
Orlando, Houston quiet
Despite front-office and coaching ties to the Bucks star, the Magic have not held meaningful recent talks with Milwaukee, per Fischer. The Rockets, once floated as a dark-horse destination, had taken no concrete steps toward a trade as of early this week, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported.
Market smaller than expected
One veteran scout told Jackson the overall market for Antetokounmpo is “smaller than anticipated,” with the NBA’s reworked draft lottery cited as a reason some clubs are reluctant to surrender future first-round picks.
Kelel Ware’s value
No indications suggest Miami would move rookie center Kelel Ware by himself or that Milwaukee would redirect him immediately if he were included in a Giannis package. Nonetheless, a league source believes either team could likely obtain a first-round pick for the 7-footer if they chose to shop him, Jackson wrote.
The Bucks have not signaled a timetable for resolving Antetokounmpo’s status, leaving interested teams to weigh their options as the offseason unfolds.
Source: Hoops Rumors
