It’s well-documented that the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors may not be as enticing a landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo as many believe.
The Stein Line’s Marc Stein made that clear last Sunday, citing that the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are widely regarded as the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP’s top trade suitors this offseason.
NBC’s Grant Liffmann’s Saturday afternoon report didn’t make life any better for Los Angeles and Golden State, as he revealed the franchise that’s likely the frontrunner in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, and it’s neither of the storied Western Conference franchises.
“Giannis, yes, from everything that we have heard, Giannis wants to be in Miami (Heat),” Liffmann stated. “Miami wants Giannis. That’s all great. Does Milwaukee think they have the best package?”
“That’s all that matters…. Miami also has a lot of swaps available. Those have become more valuable with lottery reform… That matters. If MIL is looking at rebuilding this thing, that matters.”
There may not be a way for the Lakers and Warriors to get around the fact that the Heat could provide the Bucks with the most alluring trade offer for Antetokounmpo, and the NBA champion doesn’t have a strong desire to leave the Eastern Conference.
Both organizations are still expected to fight for Antetokounmpo this summer, but it appears the Heat will provide the stiffest competition for his services.
Liffmann’s report is undeniably more disappointing for the Warriors, as it makes ESPN’s Anthony Slater’s nightmare offseason claim regarding the franchise’s offseason appear more believable.
“I’ve said this in the past couple of weeks, but I sense a decreased level of thirst from (the Warriors) to make a monster move and you could hear that in Steve Kerr’s press conference afterwards about discussing the future of the franchise with Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy and coming to a more realistic understanding that they aren’t chasing championships,” Slater said on the Ryen Russillo show Friday.
If the Warriors miss out on Antetokounmpo and fail to swing a blockbuster trade for an alternative star, they could be in for a rude awakening in 2026-27.
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