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Bucks Open to Trading Giannis as Heat Lead and Celtics Emerge as Wild Card

Milwaukee is demanding either a long-term extension or a trade that returns a blue-chip young player or a large collection of first-round picks before the June draft.

Overview

  • In early June multiple outlets reported the Bucks are publicly listening to offers and are prepared to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo if the right package arrives.
  • The Miami Heat are widely viewed as the frontrunner with a potential offer centered on Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 13 pick and future first-rounders, though executives worry about the loss of depth.
  • The Athletic reported Giannis is “very intrigued” by the Boston Celtics, but that path would likely require Jaylen Brown and a multi-team construct and some insiders say Boston may not be a realistic bidder.
  • Milwaukee’s high asking price and Giannis’s contract leverage — roughly $58.5 million guaranteed for 2026–27 and a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28 — are shaping who can credibly pursue him.
  • With Bucks owners pressing for clarity before the June 23 draft, trade rules, fit with existing stars, Giannis’s injury history, and potential roster complications are the main constraints that will decide whether a deal happens and how it would reshape the Eastern Conference.