New Giannis Trade Rumors Reveal Timeline for Bucks to Move Star Amid Heat, Celtics Buzz

With the NBA Finals nearing an end, the attention will soon shift to the offseason, where Giannis Antetokounmpo's future is the biggest storyline.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Tuesday that the "growing expectation throughout the NBA" is that the Milwaukee Bucks will trade the franchise player before the NBA draft.

Fischer and Stein added that the Bucks are "operating" ahead of the draft as if they'll get an additional first-round draft pick in return for Antetokounmpo to go along with their No. 10 pick.

But a trade likely won't come before the end of the NBA Finals, as Fischer and Stein reported that the Bucks are waiting to see how the New York Knicks fare against the San Antonio Spurs, in case they are interested in trading for Antetokounmpo.

In terms of Antetokounmpo's trade preferences, Fischer and Stein noted that the Miami Heat are believed to be his top landing spot, but sources have noted that Boston is still in the picture.

Wherever he ends up, Antetokounmpo "is determined to stay in the Eastern Conference," according to Fischer and Stein.

The Portland Trail Blazers have been linked to Antetokounmpo for some time now, but even if they don't end up with the two-time MVP, they could be involved in a trade for him. Fischer and Stein reported that Milwaukee wants to include the Blazers in a potential trade to bring back some of the draft capital it sent to Portland in the Damian Lillard trade ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Antetokounmpo, 31, is coming off a season in which he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game, though he played just 36 games due to injuries.