Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely expected to be traded within the next day, with the NBA still split between two landing spots, Miami or Boston. Until last night, the Heat were viewed as the favorite, but the Celtics have re-entered the race in recent hours.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks are in “serious talks” with both teams and are weighing two very different offers. Boston is reported to be offering Jaylen Brown, last season’s All-NBA Second Team selection, plus either a young player such as Hugo Gonzalez or Payton Pritchard, or the No. 27 pick in the upcoming draft. Miami’s proposal is said to include Tyler Herro, prospects such as Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple draft picks, including the No. 13 selection.
The deal is expected to be finalized within 24 hours, before the NBA draft. Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations are said to be Boston and Miami after New York fell out of contention, and in either city he would be willing to extend his contract. Reports now indicate that no third team is likely to join the trade, meaning Brown would probably go directly to Milwaukee if the Celtics’ offer is chosen, rather than being rerouted elsewhere.
League sources told Yahoo that Milwaukee wants to remain competitive next season. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also reported that Brown is unlikely to stay in Boston even if he is not included in the final Antetokounmpo package, because the Celtics are looking for a new home for him anyway.
