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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
When it comes to the Boston Celtics in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes, there isn’t a reason for the Miami Heat to get panicked… Yet.
Lately, the Celtics have been tossed out by multiple reporters as Antetokounmpo candidates. They would be the latest true contender to consider making a big splash for the disgruntled forward.
But ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gives the Heat a good reason to assume the Celtics aren’t much of a threat in that market for the moment.
Are The Celtics Truly Interested In Giannis?
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a foul called on him during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
“I know some people are linking him to Boston, but I have not heard that Giannis, Boston, and Milwaukee are serious about it,” Windhorst said on Wednesday.
“That’s out there, but I haven’t heard it. I’m not saying it hasn’t happened. I haven’t heard it.”
Right now, the Celtics-Giannis rumors are smoke without fire. It’s still early in the game, but the Heat can remain comfortable in their seat as favorites to take on the superstar forward if he does move on from Milwaukee.
The Miami Heat Need A Splash
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The known star hunters have been in the woods for too long.
The Miami Heat are typically in the running for big names, but they tend to strike out frequently. Picking up Antetokounmpo would be just the move the Heat need to feel like they are moving in a positive direction after pursuing him for several months.
The 2025-2026 NBA season was a down year for Giannis. He played in just 36 games, posting averages of 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 28, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Before Giannis dealt with nagging setbacks, the star forward got off to a hot start. The skill set is still there–the Greek Freak is explosive–but a season full of drama and setbacks called for a statistical regression.
The Miami Heat will have to give up a lot in order to win the Giannis sweepstakes, but they seem very committed to making it happen.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso