Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumor details hold up for Heat-Bucks deal

The Miami Heat reportedly remain the frontrunner to acquire Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, which has been the case for months now.

So, that begs the question: why hasn’t a deal gotten done yet?

Well, according to Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic, the Bucks are waiting to hear from at least three other teams in regard to what they are willing to offer for Giannis in the hopes of maximizing the return for the two-time MVP.

The three known teams include the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic, and the Portland Trail Blazers may also be in the mix.

“Per league and team sources, the Bucks appear to be seeking clarity from several suitors as to what they would actually be willing to offer before making a final decision,” Amick and Nehm said. “The Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic, the sources say, are known to be among them.”

“The Portland Trail Blazers are known to have interest in trading for Antetokounmpo, but it appears more likely — if the Bucks have their way — that they would be involved as a third-team as a way for Milwaukee to regain control of some of the picks they lost in the Damian Lillard trade in 2023,” the report adds.

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There was also recently a report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer that noted the Bucks may also be waiting to see if the New York Knicks might collapse in the NBA Finals, which could put them in the market for a Giannis trade.

There is an increasing belief leaguewide that they would prefer to wait until after the NBA Finals before completing a deal to see if the Knicks end up squandering a 2–0 series lead,” the report said.

“Might the Knicks then decide to re-enter the Giannis Trade Sweepstakes in response to the disappointment of letting the title slip away?”

As of right now, it doesn’t look like that will happen, as the Knicks have grabbed a commanding 3-1 lead over the Spurs following a historic comeback in Game 4.

Miami Heat offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo

According to Amick and Nehm, the likely package Miami is offering the Bucks includes Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., one of Pelle Larsson or Kasparas Jakučionis and draft capital.

Herro specifically added fuel to the fire that a deal might be imminent after he unfollowed the Heat on social media recently.

Right now, it looks like the Heat will land win the Giannis sweepstakes.

But never say never in the NBA.