NBA: Neemias' Celtics in Final Run for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat are reportedly the final contenders in the race to acquire superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in a potential trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. ESPN broke the news on Monday, indicating that the deal is expected to be finalized before Tuesday's 2026 NBA Draft.

According to sources from the American television network, the Celtics' proposal, which includes Portuguese player Neemias Queta, features five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, the Heat's offer consists of a package of players with controlled salaries and multiple Draft picks. The Bucks, it appears, are not looking to involve a third team in negotiations, focusing solely on the proposals from Boston and Miami.

Rumors surrounding the potential departure of the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo have been circulating for over a year. The forward is under contract with the Bucks for the 2026/27 season, with an additional player option year. The Greek star's salary for the upcoming season is set at $58.5 million (€50.60 million), with the player option valued at €54.63 million, according to Spotrac.

The past season was particularly challenging for Antetokounmpo, who played in only 36 games, the lowest of his career, due to a hyperextension in his left knee suffered on March 15th, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Consequently, the Milwaukee Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and ten-time All-Star, is a historic figure for the Milwaukee franchise, having been instrumental in their 2021 championship win. He is the club's all-time leader in games played (895), points (21,531), rebounds (8,882), assists (4,484), and blocks (1,088).