NBA Team Emerging as ‘Overwhelming' Favorite to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo

The sweepstakes for Giannis Antetokounmpo are only expected to heat up in the coming weeks, and whether the Milwaukee Bucks will ultimately trade him remains uncertain.

However, co-owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly made it clear that if the Bucks decide to move Antetokounmpo, they would prefer to complete a deal before the NBA Draft later this month. At the same time, Haslam has left the door open to the possibility of signing the superstar to a long-term extension.

For now, the growing belief around the league is that Antetokounmpo will eventually be traded. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, the Miami Heat have emerged as the overwhelming favorite to acquire the former MVP.

“The noise surrounding the Miami Heat and Antetokounmpo remains louder than all the rest,” Amick and Nehm wrote. “Many people around the league, from agents to executives, continue to believe that Antetokounmpo will end up in Miami when this saga finally comes to an end.”

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Several other teams have been linked to Antetokounmpo, but any potential deal will likely come down to two factors: which team can offer the best overall trade package and where Antetokounmpo ultimately wants to play.

Miami certainly has the ability to put together a compelling offer centered around multiple draft picks, Tyler Herro, and Kel’el Ware. The Heat could also include additional young talent such as Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to strengthen a potential package.

The NBA draft is set for June 23, so if a deal is completed before the event - as Haslam reportedly prefers - fans may not have to wait much longer for clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future. With less than three weeks until draft night, a decision could be looming sooner rather than later.

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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 9:30 AM.