Celtics, Heat Finalists for Giannis Trade Before NBA
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- Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be traded before Tuesday's NBA draft, with the Celtics and Heat emerging as finalists after the Bucks engaged in serious talks with both, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
- Boston's offer centers on five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown in a proposed swap of two of the NBA's top players, while Miami has offered cost-controlled contracts and significant draft capital, including the No. 13 pick.
- The Bucks went 32-50 and missed the playoffs and even the play-in tournament, snapping a nine-year postseason streak; Antetokounmpo played just 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
- The trade saga began in May 2025 when Antetokounmpo expressed openness to finding his best fit outside Milwaukee; last summer he told all parties he wanted to play for the Knicks, but the Bucks kept him after talks with New York failed last August.
- The Heat have been seeking a lead star to pair with Bam Adebayo since trading Jimmy Butler to the Warriors last year, while the Celtics went 56-26 as the No. 2 seed despite playing most of the season without injured Jayson Tatum.
- Antetokounmpo has played all 13 of his NBA seasons in Milwaukee, holds every major statistical record in franchise history, and led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021.
Why it matters: The Bucks' potential loss of Giannis — a 13-year franchise icon, two-time MVP, and 2021 champion — caps a season of dysfunction that ended with a 32-50 record and a snapped nine-year playoff streak. Whoever lands him surrenders significant pieces: Jaylen Brown from Boston, or draft capital and cost-controlled contracts from Miami, reshaping the East.
