The Milwaukee Bucks are actively preparing for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, with league sources reporting they are operating as if they will acquire additional draft picks in a deal with Miami, including the No. 13 selection. As of Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Heat remain the front-runners in pursuit of the two-time NBA MVP, though Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers are still in the mix. The Celtics, however, face a critical decision: whether to move All-Star Jaylen Brown to secure Antetokounmpo, a move that would reshape Boston’s roster and rebuild timeline.
Why the Bucks Are Playing the Long Game
Milwaukee’s approach suggests they are treating the trade as a done deal. As Hoops Rumors reported, league insiders say the Bucks have been “very, very busy” preparing for the draft, including evaluating players in multiple ranges as if they expect to control the No. 13 pick—a selection that would be part of Miami’s package for Antetokounmpo. This strategy reflects a willingness to part with future assets, a move that would significantly alter the Bucks’ rebuild.
The Heat, meanwhile, are in a delicate position. While they have been the most frequently linked team to land Antetokounmpo, they must balance the cost of acquiring him with the need to address their roster’s shooting deficiencies. According to the Sun Sentinel, the Heat’s potential offer would likely include draft picks and possibly younger players like Kasparas Jakucionis or Pelle Larsson, but the long-term viability of such a trade remains uncertain.
The Celtics’ Dilemma: Jaylen Brown or Giannis?
The Celtics are caught between two scenarios: either they outbid Miami for Antetokounmpo by including Jaylen Brown and other draft capital, or they walk away. As The New York Times reported, Boston’s front office is already considering how much draft capital they’d need to offer, with a focus on future picks rather than immediate assets. The challenge lies in whether they’re willing to part with Brown—a key player in their offense—and how they’d replace him.
For more on this story, see Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors: Bucks Set June 23 Decision Deadline.
Brown himself has expressed reluctance about joining the Bucks, a team he reportedly wouldn’t want to play for, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears. “I know the Bucks don’t love the Miami deal, but it appears to be the best deal,” Spears said on ESPN’s SportsCenter. The Celtics’ frustration with the process is growing, with sources telling Hoops Rumors they are getting “frustrated with the process.”
If Boston were to pursue Antetokounmpo, they’d need to address a critical question: How do they build an offense around him without sacrificing their current structure? As Sports Illustrated pointed out, Antetokounmpo’s lack of shooting could force Boston to rethink their offensive approach, which currently relies on three-point volume. While Antetokounmpo has assisted on more three-pointers than two-pointers in recent seasons, his career 28.5% shooting from deep raises questions about how Mazzulla-ball would adapt.
This follows our earlier report, Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks Intensify Between Bucks, Heat and Celtics.
What the Blazers’ Exit Means
The Portland Trail Blazers, once seen as a serious contender for Antetokounmpo, have reportedly scaled back their pursuit. According to Hoops Rumors, the Blazers are no longer willing to offer the same aggressive package they considered in February, which included up to four years of draft capital. This shift may reflect both Antetokounmpo’s reluctance to extend in Portland and the recent changes to the NBA draft lottery format, which could make trading high-upside picks less appealing.
The Clippers’ Non-Option
The Los Angeles Clippers, who hold the No. 5 overall pick, have been ruled out as serious contenders. As Hoops Rumors reported, L.A. is not operating as if they’re interested in trading that pick for a veteran like Antetokounmpo. This leaves the Heat and Celtics as the primary suitors, with the Bucks holding the upper hand by letting the market drive the process.
What Happens Next: The Timeline and Stakes
The Bucks’ self-imposed deadline—unofficially set for draft day—looms, but insiders suggest the trade could stretch into July. The Heat are already making calls to address potential shooting gaps, while the Celtics must decide whether Brown’s value outweighs the long-term benefits of landing Antetokounmpo. If Boston moves forward, they’d likely need to include multiple draft picks, possibly future selections, to match Miami’s offer.
Read also: Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade to Celtics Faces $275M Payroll Crisis.
The stakes are high: Antetokounmpo’s $275 million, four-year extension with Boston, as reported by The Athletic, would be a franchise-altering move. But the risk of trading for a 30-something superstar—especially one who may not extend—remains a concern. The Bucks, meanwhile, would be left with a roster still in rebuild mode, potentially accelerating their timeline for contention.
For now, the Heat appear to be in the driver’s seat, but the Celtics’ willingness to part with Brown—and the Bucks’ ability to extract maximum value—will determine the next move. With the draft just days away, the clock is ticking.
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