The Greek Freak’s historic tenure in Milwaukee nears its end as the Celtics and Heat emerge as the exclusive frontrunners to land the two-time MVP.
The biggest story of the NBA offseason will soon have resolution, per ESPN's NBA Insider Shams Charania.
As the NBA Draft nears on Tuesday, June 23, it appears that a deal to send Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team may be completed.
For some thoughts on what trades and destinations may look like for the superstar Milwaukee forward, Bucks Roundtable writer Jeremy Lambert looked into his crystal ball and made his prediction here:
The two teams that have long been said to be Antetokounmpo's desired destinations, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, sound to be more than just the favorites to land the 2021 NBA Finals MVP. It appears the two teams may be in fact the only two likely to be involved in the deal.
Per Charania, the trade that eventually sends Antetokounmpo out of Milwaukee, where he's played since entering the league as the No. 15 overall selection in 2013 NBA Draft, is not likely to involve a third or fourth team. The trade is expected to be between the Bucks and Heat or the Bucks and Celtics, though later moves could change that.
The two-time League MVP averaged 27.6 points per game last year. It was the first season he's averaged fewer than 30 points per game since 2021-22. He appeared in just 36 games last season as well, the fewest games played since in his career.
Landing with the Celtics is likely to include a trade package anchored by guard Jaylen Brown, who has also been the source of many trade rumors since the end of Boston's playoff run.
Meanwhile a trade from Miami would likely include a major return in draft capital and young players. If Milwaukee wants to remain competitive immediately after the deal, a move with the Celtics may be more advantageous. However, if the franchise is more likely to look to the future, the Heat's offer could sway them.
However, if the Bucks take the Heat deal, they shouldn't expect much of that draft capital to yield many early swings thanks to their competitive value following the trade and previous agreements the Heat have already made.
