NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Heat, Celtics, Warriors, Timberwolves

The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes may not be as crowded as many expected. Then again, appearances can be deceiving.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (via Hoops Rumors’ Luke Adams), the Heat and Trail Blazers are the two teams that can currently be confirmed as active pursuers of the Bucks superstar.

That doesn’t mean they’re the only teams lurking.

Celtics remain team to watch

Perhaps the most intriguing development involves Boston.

According to Fischer, there have been persistent rumblings about the Celtics as a potential landing spot for Antetokounmpo, even if meaningful trade discussions between Boston and Milwaukee have yet to materialize.

Fischer reported that league sources have not ruled out the possibility of the Celtics eventually entering the mix, nor have they completely dismissed the idea of Jaylen Brown being involved in a blockbuster scenario.

As Fischer noted, Boston possesses something many rival teams cannot offer: an established All-NBA caliber player in Brown.

The Celtics have also long been viewed as a logical fit for Antetokounmpo, who shares skills trainer Drew Hanlen with Jayson Tatum and has previously been linked to Boston in league circles.

According to Fischer, the possibility of the Celtics becoming serious contenders for Giannis is one that reportedly concerns the Heat.

Trail Blazers still in pursuit

Portland remains another team actively pursuing Antetokounmpo, according to Fischer.

The question, however, is how aggressive the Trail Blazers are willing to become.

As Fischer explained, uncertainty over whether Giannis would commit long-term to Portland could ultimately impact how much the organization is willing to sacrifice in a trade package.

Warriors, Wolves cool off

The Warriors and Timberwolves were both connected to Antetokounmpo before February’s trade deadline.

However, Fischer reported that neither team currently appears to be a major factor in Milwaukee’s recent discussions.

That could always change, of course. But for now, both clubs seem to be operating on the periphery of the conversation rather than driving it.

Magic, Rockets not showing urgency

Fischer also reported that there have been no significant recent discussions between the Bucks and Magic regarding Antetokounmpo.

Orlando has often been mentioned as a theoretical fit because of its front-office connections to Giannis, but according to Fischer, little has developed on that front lately.

Meanwhile, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Rockets had not actively pursued an Antetokounmpo trade as of a few days ago, despite earlier speculation linking Houston to the two-time MVP.

Where things stand

Fischer’s reporting suggests that Miami and Portland remain the clearest known pursuers of Antetokounmpo.

But if there’s one lesson from NBA superstar trade sagas, it’s that the list of contenders can change quickly.

And if the Celtics ever decide to get serious, the entire conversation could look very different.