The Miami Heat may have moved to the front of the line in the race for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Just days after reports surfaced that the Boston Celtics had submitted a trade offer to the Milwaukee Bucks, longtime NBA columnist Gary Washburn cast doubt on Boston's chances of landing the two-time MVP. The analyst said the Heat currently appear to have the advantage as the NBA's biggest offseason saga approaches a critical deadline.
“I don’t think he’s going to be a Celtic and that’s just from what I’m hearing,” Washburn said, per Boston.com. “I do think Miami has the edge on this, but I do think Boston is kind of sniffing around and finding out: Could you even acquire Giannis without sacrificing Jaylen?”
Last month, ESPN reported that the Bucks were actively taking calls on Giannis Antetokounmpo after a disappointing 32-50 season that ended without a playoff appearance. Bucks ownership has also indicated that a decision on the superstar's future could come before next week's NBA Draft.
While Boston has been one of the most discussed destinations in recent days, Washburn suggested the Celtics are still trying to determine whether a deal is even practical. According to him, one of the central questions is whether Boston could acquire Antetokounmpo without breaking up its core.
“I don’t think that the Celtics [are] shopping Jaylen Brown in this deal,” Washburn said. “I think they’re trying to figure out how to get him without Jaylen.”
That challenge has followed nearly every team linked to Giannis. Previous reporting has indicated that Milwaukee's asking price remains steep, with the Bucks seeking a combination of premium young talent and significant draft compensation.
Boston's interest was first highlighted by Bill Simmons, who recently revealed that the Celtics had made an offer. NBA reporter Zach Lowe later added that Boston was "not just dipping their toe in, but diving in" on the possibility.
The Miami Heat, however, have consistently remained in the conversation. Earlier reporting from the Miami Herald noted that Miami is expected to be among the most aggressive teams pursuing Antetokounmpo.
The Heat have draft assets available, flexibility to structure a deal, and a front office that has openly acknowledged the need for major roster upgrades after several seasons stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings.
The Giannis sweepstakes has also expanded well beyond Miami and Boston. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic have all been connected to trade discussions at various points over the past year.
