Giannis Antetokounmpo Race Down to 3 Teams as NBA Draft ‘Soft Deadline’ Approaches

Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors have been running hot for the past two offseason.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Race Down to 3 Teams as NBA Draft ‘Soft Deadline’ Approaches

Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with Bucks nearing end (Image via FirstSportz)

The 2026 NBA Draft is around the corner, and all eyes are on the trade market with Giannis Antetokounmpo available. That is because the team that decides to take the plunge on him will likely not be able to select a prospect this year.

This is a two-time league MVP who has won quite a few accolades in his 13 years in the league. Sure, he is 31 years old and has struggled with injuries in the past few postseasons.

But still, to a team with the right setup, his addition could spring a few runs to the championship. After all, he is one of the hardest-working players in the league.

That hard work can push his teammates to do better. It can motivate the front office and training staff to ensure he has the best opportunity to reach his and the team’s potential.

Some may doubt his ability, but some teams believe they can get over the hump once they have him on their team. So far, a few teams have been interested. Now, the race to land him has narrowed down to three.

We are all waiting for Tuesday… That’s a soft deadline… Right now, it’s really 3 teams you hear most about. The Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat.

Ramona Shelburne said on SportsCenter

The journalist referred to the Bucks, making it clear they want to see what happens before the Draft. But Ramona Shelburne clarified that if the team does not like what they are getting, they will wait. The organization is looking for the most assets while giving away Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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The Heat has the best package for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Those three teams are possibly in the race as they have the combination of young players, the ability to absorb Giannis Antetokounmpo’s salary after adjustments, and draft capital. But as per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, one team has a better package.

Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via Heat Nation/X)

I’m still in the belief that it’s Miami because when you look at Giannis, it’s the superstar checklist of 3 things that Miami has here… Miami’s got the 13th pick in the draft, they can send future picks.

Bobby Marks said on SportsCenter

The draft and trade market analyst added that the Heat can trade Tyler Herro, who has proven to be a reliable player after getting over his injury struggles.

On top of that, they have the right mix of draft picks the Bucks could be interested in. The mix of these two, and the ability to give Antetokounmpo a win-now situation when he arrives, makes it enticing for everyone involved.

The Greek Freak’s mother teased fans last offseason about a possible future in Miami. At the time, nothing materialized, and the forward stayed put. Now, as per Marks, the Heat have the ammunition to land him.

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Celtics could still trump Heat to land Giannis Antetokounmpo

While the consensus among analysts points towards a possible flight to Florida, longtime Boston Celtics fan Bill Simmons is not willing to write off his team yet.

I think they know what Miami’s offer is… Just waiting on Boston to see if Boston is gonna top their offer… I would still bet on Boston.

Bill Simmons said on The Ringer

The longtime journalist believes that his team will upstage the Miami Heat with some additions. The Heat’s offer for the former Defensive Player of the Year without Bam Adebayo is easy to predict.

Therefore, Simmons expects Brad Stevens to make some final adjustments before sending in a trade package the Bucks cannot ignore. It naturally could likely include Jaylen Brown in some capacity, but the true deal will only come to light once it breaks cover.

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