The Miami Heat remain the frontrunner to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the race is crowded now. With the NBA Finals settled, the Milwaukee Bucks are expected to finalize a deal before the June 23 draft – and multiple teams are circling.
The Celtics submitted a formal offer for the two-time MVP before the Knicks even sealed their championship Saturday night, per Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports. Rival executives also continue to point toward the Brooklyn Nets as a potential destination, though Brooklyn has reportedly faded somewhat in recent days. The Heat, meanwhile, have a package assembled: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and a collection of first-round picks, per NBC Sports.
A Bucks ownership ultimatum
Bucks co-owner Wes Edens has been blunt about it. “One of two things will happen,” he said. “Either he will be extended, or he’ll be traded.” His partner Jimmy Haslam echoed that, hoping for clarity before the draft. Betting markets have moved accordingly – only 10% odds of Giannis remaining in Milwaukee, per current lines.
Marc Stein, writing on his Substack, noted that Giannis’ time in Milwaukee is “indeed drawing near.” Per NBC Sports, the Bucks had not yet requested final offers as of the weekend – the franchise was waiting until the Finals wrapped before intensifying negotiations. That wait is now over.
What’s on the table
Miami’s offer centers on Herro as the primary piece – a prolific scorer the Bucks could use to launch a rebuild – alongside Jaquez and Ware as younger assets, plus picks. The Celtics’ offer was not publicly detailed. Boston would need to move significant salary to make numbers work, likely involving Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, or younger wings.
The Nets sit in an interesting spot. Brooklyn owns 13 first-round picks over the next seven years – the most in the league. Sheer pick volume could satisfy Milwaukee’s ask. The friction, per Fadeaway World, involves a clause in Giannis’ max extension that reportedly allows him to bring his brothers onto the roster. Manageable, but it adds complexity to talks.
Giannis himself has reportedly expressed a preference for an East Coast team, partly for proximity to Greece. That preference aligns with all three current frontrunners.
The Knicks wild card
As fresh champions, the Knicks have been mentioned in speculation. Brunson, Bridges, and Giannis on the same roster would make immediate basketball sense. But New York is projected well over the second luxury tax apron, and moving core assets right after a title run is hard to justify. Their name will circulate through June 23, even if a deal is unlikely.
The deadline is June 23. Somewhere between now and then, the biggest trade story of the summer should land. Sources: NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports.
[Update – June 16, 2026] According to NESN and multiple league sources, Giannis Antetokounmpo has now narrowed his preferred destination: the Greek Freak is reportedly “focused” on landing with the Miami Heat. While Boston continues to circle, the Heat represent the player’s stated preference as the June 23 draft deadline closes in.
