The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga appears to be entering its final stages. With the NBA Draft only hours away, the Celtics and Heat have emerged as the two remaining teams in the race for the Bucks superstar, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Milwaukee has spent recent days engaged in serious discussions with both franchises as the organization weighs two very different offers, according to Charania. The Bucks are reportedly focused solely on Boston and Miami and are not expected to involve a third team in any potential deal.
Boston’s proposal is centered around five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics have discussed a blockbuster deal that would send Brown to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo, creating one of the biggest player-for-player trades in recent NBA history.
Brown is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while helping Boston finish 56-26 despite Jayson Tatum missing much of the season through injury.
Sources told Charania that Brown would remain with the Bucks if a trade is completed.
Miami’s approach has been considerably different. Rather than offering a star player, the Heat have reportedly built their package around young players on team-friendly contracts along with substantial draft compensation. Miami also owns the No. 13 selection in this year’s draft.
Antetokounmpo has reportedly viewed both Boston and Miami as preferred destinations during the process, according to Charania.
The situation has been building for more than a year. Antetokounmpo first became open to exploring his future outside Milwaukee in 2025, and discussions between both sides continued throughout the past year.
The relationship between the former MVP and the organization deteriorated during a disappointing season that saw Milwaukee finish 32-50 and miss both the playoffs and the play-in tournament.
Antetokounmpo appeared in only 36 games because of groin, calf and knee injuries, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
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