Giannis Trade Negotiations Could Slip Past Draft as Bucks, Heat and Celtics Jockey for Position
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Talks surrounding a potential trade of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo may run beyond Milwaukee’s informal draft-day target date, according to reporter Chris Haynes. While Haynes warned Wednesday that the process could linger into July, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line said league figures still expect clarity “in the coming days.”
Bucks Prepare as if More Picks Are Coming
Multiple front-office sources told Fischer that the Bucks have been scouting prospects in several draft tiers despite holding only the No. 10 selection. Club officials are acting as though they will also control No. 13, a pick Miami would send in a Heat package for Antetokounmpo.
Heat and Celtics Remain Primary Suitors
Executives believe Antetokounmpo would agree to an extension with either Miami or Boston, keeping both clubs atop the list of contenders. Portland’s interest has cooled since February, when the Trail Blazers were reportedly ready to surrender four future first-rounders without an extension commitment. The shift is tied to doubts about Antetokounmpo’s long-term interest in Portland and, per Fischer, possibly by recent changes to lottery odds.
Boston Weighs Jaylen Brown Decision
The Celtics could outbid Miami by centering an offer on All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown plus additional assets, yet team insiders say Boston has not decided to place that proposal on the table. One source described interest in finding a third club for Brown as “premature,” and ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that Brown is not eager to join Milwaukee. Spears added that the Bucks prefer the Heat offer but recognize Boston could “sneak in” if the Celtics are willing to reroute Brown.
Clippers, Other Possibilities Appear Unlikely
Speculation that the Clippers might flip the No. 5 pick for Brown has not gained traction; Los Angeles is not behaving like a team willing to move that selection for a veteran, Fischer noted.
Ancillary Moves Under Consideration
Miami has begun contacting teams for additional shooting in anticipation of pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo. Milwaukee, meanwhile, would prefer to include forward Bobby Portis in any blockbuster deal, league sources said.
With the draft approaching and no agreement finalized, the Bucks, Heat and Celtics continue to explore scenarios that could reshape the NBA’s offseason timeline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
