Three new Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors emerged on Thursday with fresh updates on the Miami Heat’s package and the Boston Celtics’ level of interest. Another report claimed that the Brooklyn Nets were closer than most people thought in winning the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes last season.
First, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported for The Stein Line that the Heat’s trade framework is firmly on the table for Antetokounmpo. Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are rumored to be the players heading to Milwaukee with prime draft capital. The Heat have the 13th pick in 2026.
They own their picks in 2029, 2031 and 2033. The 2029 pick is conditional as it could become a swap if the Heat’s 2027 top-14 protected pick doesn’t convey to the Charlotte Hornets. In that case, the Hornets will get the 2028 unprotected pick, making 2029 a swap. It’s widely considered the best package for any team in the Antetokounmpo trade frameworks.
Meanwhile, insider Kevin O’Connor reported that the Celtics will “without a doubt” give up Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, he believes the Bucks don’t want Brown and could flip him to a third team for assets.
Just before Connor’s report, Fischer and Bill Simmons also made convincing claims about the Celtics’ interest in Antetokounmpo. Fischer said that the Heat are genuinely concerned about Boston’s ability to knock them off in the sweepstakes.
“Rival teams, furthermore, continue to point to Boston’s various assets as illustrating its ability to become a factor here,” he wrote on The Stein Line. They also note that Antetokounmpo shares a skills coach with Jayson Tatum (Drew Hanlen) and is believed to have a level of interest in landing with the Celtics on top of his well-chronicled affinity for Miami…This much is clear: Boston is believed to be a potential suitor that genuinely concerns Miami.”
Meanwhile, Simmons said he wasn’t sure about the Celtics’ interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo but claimed things have changed.
“I thought Boston was out of this. I know Boston was out of this,” he said. “I was wondering if they were playing possum or not. I think they were playing a little possum. I think they are in on Giannis. I’m not recanting what I said before. I don’t know the reasons for it.
“Maybe they felt like Miami’s offer is an offer they could beat. Maybe they want to drive the price of Miami’s offer up and don’t really have interest in him. Giannis is pushing for Miami or Boston. Those are the two locations and really wants to end up in Boston because he would have the best chance to win a title. Boston is not ruling out the idea is my intel. In general, I’m prepared for anything with Boston now.”
While the Heat and the Celtics were two of the most popular names largely linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson cited the Nets’ interest from last season. However, the deal stalled due to a few concerns for the Nets. Here’s what Robinson wrote on his blog on Thursday.
“The Brooklyn Nets were closer than anyone publicly realized to finalizing a mega-deal last season, having established a firm trade framework with Milwaukee to land the Greek Freak in the Barclays Center.
“However, internal momentum ultimately stalled due to lingering organizational concerns regarding the unique logistical and roster realities of bringing in Giannis alongside his brothers. Managing the “package deal” clause that has historically accompanied the superstar remains a complex variable that Brooklyn’s front office has been cautious to navigate, keeping an otherwise advanced deal temporarily on ice.”
Heat appear to be the best fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo because of Bam Adebayo
The Miami Heat seem to be the best fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even if they lose key player assets, the Heat boast what most suitors won’t – a stretch five. Bam Adebayo improved significantly on his 3-point shooting last year. His averages dropped eventually, but Adebayo isn’t hesitant in playing outside the paint.
The Heat big shot 31.7% on 5.5 3-point attempts. It’s the ideal frontcourt tandem Antetokounmpo would prefer after his stint with Brook Lopez. The Bucks also got Myles Turner by making a bold decision to waive Damian Lillard. Turner was the best stretch center available after the Bucks let Lopez walk in free agency.
The Celtics, now considered a top-two favorite in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes, will need to make another trade to acquire such a presence at the five. That could even lead to taking on Turner’s contract, as he fits that archetype.
Read more:
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