The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga may finally be nearing its end.
The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have emerged as front-runners to trade for the Milwaukee Bucks star, with a decision expected to come around Tuesday's NBA Draft, insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday.
An Antetokounmpo deal has been rumoured for at least a year, dating back to last April when ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Greek Freak was "open-minded" to a move away from Milwaukee.
But the Bucks have required a haul for the homegrown superstar who brought the franchise its first title in 50 years in 2021 — and the Celtics and Heat appear prepared to pony up.
Miami's offer includes Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and the No. 13 pick, per Stein. He added that the Heat are presumed to be "prepared to surrender additional draft capital and potentially more players in an Antetokounmpo deal."
Boston, meanwhile, has a "real shot" to land Antetokounmpo with an offer centred on 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, Stein reported, with the Bucks even considering the deal without a third-team facilitator.
Additionally, Boston's No. 27 pick would likely be part of the deal, and the Bucks reportedly are interested in Spanish guard Hugo Gonzalez.
Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points on 62.4 per cent shooting also adding 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists over a career-low 36 games with the Bucks last season.
The 31-year-old forward — a nine-time all-star, two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP — suffered multiple calf and ankle issues early in the schedule before sustaining a left knee hyperextension against the Indiana Pacers on March 15, leading to a public dispute with the Bucks.
