New Giannis Trade Rumors on Magic, Blazers' Pursuit amid Heat, Celtics Buzz Around Bucks Star

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have been rumored to be the frontrunners to trade for Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, and one insider addressed the status of other potential landing spots.

During the ALL NBA podcast, NBA insider Marc Stein was asked about the Orlando Magic's pursuit of Antetokounmpo, and he pumped the brakes on that notion.

"On some level, I think they were always thought to be a potential Giannis team, but last week, the sources we talked to were pretty emphatic that Orlando is not in the Giannis chase," Stein said around the 49:25 mark.

Stein also revealed that the Portland Trail Blazers remain in the mix because they still own significant draft capital from the Bucks following their trade for star point guard Damian Lillard. However, he noted that Antetokounmpo's contract could cause some hesitation.

"There have been rumbles for a while now that Portland is a team that would have the guts to just make a trade for Giannis," Stein said (32:30 mark). "But remember, Giannis only has one guaranteed year left on his deal. He does have a great amount of control and influence here. You're not gonna trade a ton for Giannis unless you're sure he's going to extend with you."

Antetokounmpo would be eligible for a contract extension on Oct. 1 if he stays with the Bucks, but if he's traded, he won't be eligible until six months after the deal is officially completed.

The Bucks would be wise to secure a deal for Antetokounmpo before next week's NBA draft, so the situation could come to a head in the coming days.