New Giannis Trade Rumors on Bucks Star Comparing Celtics and Heat Rosters

The Athletic's Sam Amick feels the Boston Celtics might be a more desirable destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo because of the depth they would have after a potential trade when compared to another potential suitor like the Miami Heat.

"From Giannis' view, it doesn't mean he's not excited, potentially, about Miami," Amick told CLNS Media. "But there are signs that he's looking at what that roster in Miami might look like after a trade, and kind of hypothetically comparing it to what a roster might look like in Boston after a trade, with a deeper roster and more help around you, because he wants to contend for titles.

"I think anybody, objectively, would look at the scenarios and kind of say, 'You got what you wanted, but are you really a contender if you got Bam Adebayo, and Norm Powell, and Davion Mitchell and not much else?' So I think those are some of the factors right now."

Amick also pointed to the Antetokounmpo's April comments praising the "culture" Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had instilled in his organization.

"I think the theme between Boston and Miami is that Giannis is ready for a really serious organization," Amick said. "I think the praise of Joe Mazzulla speaks to that. I think he wants to be coached hard right now."

The Heat made a trade deadline offer for Antetokounmpo featuring Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and draft stock, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

ESPN's Bobby Marks reported a theoretical Celtics offer would "almost certainly" involve either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.

NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that "sources close to the process consistently say that they believe that Miami is at the top of Antetokounmpo's current wish list but likewise continue to whisper that the idea of landing in Boston is still in his thoughts somewhere."

Antetokounmpo has at times expressed desire to stay in Milwaukee, but the insider consensus seems to be he is set to leave and chase a title elsewhere. Fischer and NBA insider Marc Stein have also reported there is a "growing expectation throughout the NBA" that Antetokounmpo will be traded ahead of the draft.

Whether the Celtics are interested in splitting up their core of Brown and Tatum in order to work out a deal for Antetokounmpo could impact where the Bucks star ends up by the time the draft starts June 23 in Brooklyn.