The Miami Heat’s long anticipated Giannis Antetokounmpo dream may turn into a nightmare if the latest report suggesting the sweepstakes could be between them or the Boston Celtics is true.
Miami remains in hot pursuit of Giannis, and are reportedly willing to part with any non-Bam Adebayo asset to finally make it happen. The two-time league MVP for the Milwaukee Bucks will be the biggest name on the trade market as soon as this NBA season comes to a close— with clarity expected to come by the June 23 draft.
Outside of the Heat, the other publicly aggressive suitors are unknown. There is reportedly mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and Miami, but another surprise rival team in the Boston Celtics might have their eyes on swooping in and crushing the hearts of Heat Nation to prevent it from happening. According to league insider Marc Stein, Antetokounmpo likes the idea of joining the Heat or Celtics:
“I’ve heard something similar from a few different teams since the Chicago draft combine: Miami and Boston are increasingly perceived to be the potential trade destinations that currently — underline currently — most intrigue Milwaukee’s Antetokounmpo.”
(via The Stein Line)
As mentioned, it’s uncertain just how much interest there is from other teams on the Giannis market, including Boston. So it’s not worth panicking just yet. Although if the Celtics decide to make a bid for the Bucks’ superstar, they have an attractive trade piece to utilize that Miami doesn’t.
The Celtics could make Jaylen Brown available in order to get their hands on Giannis.
Boston is coming off a disappointing first round collapse just over a month ago to the seventh seed Philadelphia 76ers. They blew a 3-1 series lead and suffered an early playoff exit, and general manager Brad Stevens has shown in years past he won’t be afraid to pull the trigger on a shocking blockbuster move that could put the Celtics back into championship contention.
They could entertain the idea of splitting up the Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum duo to bring Antetokounmpo aboard. Brown is coming off the greatest season of his career, where the veteran wing averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 47.7% shooting. Even if the Bucks weren’t inclined to take on Brown’s contract ahead of a potential rebuilding era, he could be included in a multi-team deal with other interested Brown suitors that would net Milwaukee other assets of their liking.
Miami still presents the Bucks with a better all around package for the future, highlighted by Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and other young players to go along with the 13th pick in the upcoming draft and plenty of other draft capital. They could offer two additional future first-rounders, second-round picks and multiple pick swaps. The Heat could easily put together a haul that makes the easiest direct trade partner for the Bucks without having to involve other teams.
With only a few weeks left until the NBA Finals concludes, this is still Miami’s race to lose when it comes to acquiring Giannis. But don’t be surprised if another team like Boston attempt to get involved before Pat Riley and the front office seal the deal.
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if im Jaylen Brown id be pissed if Celts trade him! After carrying the team in the regular season they’ll just let him go?! but then again it happens. right Luka? imo Heat got a small chance getting Giannis. again Milw will be asking for gazillion picks for their rebuild which the Heat doesn’t have. but also weird things happened before. Pat’s last chance to do a trick? or go the way of those teams in the west duking it out in their conf finals. arguably the “real” finals. sorry NY.
Leaking this report is a great way to get the Heat to improve their offer
The Bucks can only take back so many players and picks. They’ll need a clown car when introducing their lineup 😛 ba dum tish
Check out their payroll. Gonna get rid of quite a few players this summer. They can begin rebuild mode with a kick start from Miami.
As long as they don’t end up bidding against themselves and upping their own last (highest) bid. Miami will either have very stiff competition or no other serious bidders at all. I wonder how much higher Riley will need up his bid if what he offered initially is not enough?
Let Boston have him. If the nba really changes the draft rules, Miami’s non tanking doing okay MO, could result in some high draft picks anyway. Build for the future not a 2 year window of an also ran.
It can be done both ways but the biggest thing is luck. The Knicks traded for Towns and Bridges and got lucky signing Brunson to a good contract that he has massively outplayed. Cavs traded for Mitchel, then Harden and made ECF. 76ers tried the process and got processed. The Kings have been rebuilding forever. lol Gratuitous shot at the Kings. The Pacers traded Sabonis and landed Halliburton with some luck too and made Finals. Now you can say they haven’t won it but they are making it and showing up is half the battle. Then you need more luck.
Any who, I’m down for either route. Let’s be top 4 seed again with home court in the 1st round. That is all we’re asking for
I honestly agree with both your points, and like you, I would be down with either route. So I’m leaning towards your side a lil, but ngl I want more then just a 4 seed. I want at least a conference finals. If they don’t reach that in 2 years, then trade bam to spurs or okc for 4 or 5 picks and young ascending player, And trade giannis to the highest bidder.
I too want ECF but I was saying in compared to the last few years being a top 4 with home court in the 1st at least puts you in the mix.
Oh ok, I def feel u on that.
ditto
Let’s get it done but please keep Kaspar. He’s talented, young, still cheap, and would love to see Lob City with Bam and Giannis.
Somebody else would like the same with Ware and Kas. I dont have much hope.