The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly hinted that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade to the Miami Heat could soon materialize ahead of the 2026 NBA draft. According to insider Jake Fischer’s latest reporting, the Bucks are operating as though they are drafting the 13th selection, currently owned by the Heat.
Here’s what Fischer wrote on Wednesday for The Stein Line:
“League sources say that Milwaukee has very much been carrying itself like a franchise in recent days that expects to have the No. 13 selection as well as its own No. 10 pick. The Bucks, of course, can only make a selection at No. 13 if they acquire that pick from Miami as part of an Antetokounmpo trade.”
The 13th pick could be a crucial inclusion in the trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo. It would give Milwaukee a chance to draft two prospects in the lottery, as it also holds the No. 10 selection. The Bucks could also use both picks to move up the draft. For now, Fischer’s report suggests Milwaukee might hold onto both picks and add multiple pieces for its inevitable rebuild once Antetokounmpo departs.
The rumor also suggests that the Miami Heat remain frontrunners despite reports that the Boston Celtics could hijack the potential trade and acquire the two-time MVP.
Bucks reporter claims there’s a 70-80% chance Giannis Antetokounmpo gets traded
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors have stretched too long for the last year. He didn’t get moved in two trade cycles, and there’s a bit of skepticism that he’ll stay put despite the rumors. However, Bucks reporter Lori Nickel, a columnist for the local publication, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, claimed that there’s a 70-80% chance Antetokounmpo gets traded.
Here’s what Nickel said on Wednesday on Karley Marotta’s “Mic Drop” show:
“We are hearing that [Giannis] is 70%, 80% gone. What does that number mean? I don’t know. … We need to wait this out. But there’s definitely a good chance that he’s gone. I don’t think there’s a 0% chance that he stays.”
It remains to be seen how soon a deal can materialize and if someone can outbid the Miami Heat for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Boston Celtics appear to have the best shot of doing so, but it’s a massive move for them given that they would need to part with 2024 finals MVP Jaylen Brown, two years removed from their championship run.
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