Celtics and Heat emerge as leading candidates in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks

NBA trade analyst Shams Charania reported that the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat are the leading contenders to acquire Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, with a transaction anticipated before Tuesday night’s draft. Charania said the negotiations are likely to involve a two-team trade, though additional teams could be added later.

Milwaukee is reportedly holding “serious conversations” with both clubs, which are said to be Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations and places where he would consider signing an extension. The Celtics’ proposal centers on star guard Jaylen Brown, who posted a career-high 28.7 points per game this season and earned second-team All-NBA honors. Brown is under a contract worth roughly $183 million over the next three years and could be eligible for a two-year, $142 million extension.

The Heat’s offer is described as more salary-flexible, featuring guard Tyler Herro, along with rookie-scale players Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr., plus draft assets. Herro has a $33 million expiring contract and will be eligible for an extension, while Jaquez also approaches a new deal.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Milwaukee’s decision makers remain divided between the two proposals. A source close to Antetokounmpo told the Miami Herald that the player would be satisfied with either city, but his camp has indicated that a “far West” team would not be considered for an extension.

"If Jaylen Brown doesn’t get traded for Giannis, they may trade him somewhere else," ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said, noting that Miami lacks a single asset comparable to Brown and is seeking additional value, such as the 13th pick in the upcoming draft.