Giannis Antetokounmpo trade viewed as increasingly likely before NBA draft

The drumbeat surrounding a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is getting louder.

According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line, there is a growing belief around the NBA that the Bucks will trade the two-time MVP before the June 23 draft.

In fact, Fischer and Stein report that virtually every team they speak with increasingly expects Milwaukee to move Antetokounmpo this offseason, with league executives operating under the assumption that a deal is more likely than not.

That doesn’t necessarily mean an agreement is imminent.

Sources told The Stein Line that the Bucks would prefer to wait until after the NBA Finals before making any final decision, hoping additional bidders emerge as the draft approaches.

Milwaukee has reportedly been operating as though it expects to add at least one more first-round pick in this year’s draft, a sign that league observers continue to interpret as preparation for life after Antetokounmpo.

The Heat remain widely viewed as the team to beat.

Multiple reports in recent weeks have linked Miami to Antetokounmpo, and Fischer and Stein indicate there remains a strong belief that the Bucks superstar would prefer to stay in the Eastern Conference. Sources close to the situation continue to identify the Heat as a destination that appeals to him.

The Celtics have also been mentioned as a potential dark-horse suitor.

Meanwhile, the Knicks are expected to remain a team worth monitoring, particularly if they fall short in the NBA Finals after entering the series with championship aspirations.

The Trail Blazers have expressed interest as well, though Fischer and Stein suggest Portland may be more valuable to Milwaukee as a potential facilitator in a larger multi-team deal.

Regardless of where Antetokounmpo lands, one thing appears increasingly clear: For the first time since Giannis emerged as the face of the franchise, more people around the league are expecting a trade than expecting him to stay.