We're gaining more clarity surrounding the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, with the Milwaukee Bucks hoping to decide by the NBA Draft, which starts on June 23rd.
Monday, NBA insider Marc Stein named the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat as the two teams "already in pursuit" of Antetokounmpo.
Although Portland can offer Milwaukee the more enticing package to kickstart a rebuild, it's Miami that's currently in the driver's seat. The biggest reason? Antetokounmpo actually wants to go there.
Wednesday, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that trade chatter connecting Giannis to Miami is still "louder than all the rest."
"Many people around the league, from agents to executives, continue to believe that Antetokounmpo will end up in Miami when this saga finally comes to an end," Amick added.
Heat check all the boxes for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Even dating back to the Giannis trade saga that dominated February's deadline, the superstar's preferences for any potential landing spot have been consistent: warm weather, staying in the Eastern Conference (with an easier path to the Finals), and a big market.
You could make a case that the Blazers with Giannis are actually better equipped to contend than the Heat would be. But there's no denying that Miami checks all the boxes for what Antetokounmpo is looking for. That's why it's not surprising the Blazers, despite their lucrative potential package, are behind the Heat in the running. While some fans are excited about the possibility of Portland finally adding a top-five player in the world to their roster, it's quietly for the best.
There are legitimate concerns about Giannis' on-court fit with this Blazers roster, a team that already struggles to space the floor. Not to mention, the Giannis-Damian Lillard pairing didn't quite work out in Milwaukee. That's a big bet for Portland to take on, but it would be a calculated risk, potentially even worthwhile if it weren't for one thing: the commitment issue.
Blazers can't risk a short-term rental
The reason the Heat are ahead of the Blazers is that they are currently the only team with registered interest that has an intriguing offer that Giannis is willing to commit to long-term. Portland has the assets and interest, but it's not mutual. The Boston Celtics seemingly sit at the other end of the spectrum as a team Giannis would be open to joining, though the front office could be content running it back with their star duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
If Portland were to ultimately win the sweepstakes, it would mean one of two things. Either Giannis' former teammate connections to Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday were enough to convince him to commit long-term to Portland, or the Blazers sent the Bucks the best available package, knowing they were at risk of a one-year rental. Of the two, the latter is the far more likely outcome to get Giannis to the Pacific Northwest, and that's extremely concerning.
Portland is in a great place in its rebuild with a young core that has taken strides each season, resulting in its first playoff appearance in five years. I'm worried that the new owner syndrome may get the best of Tom Dundon, who has already said he's "more aggressive than most" owners. Getting Giannis to change his stance and go against virtually everything he's looking for in a landing spot to stay would be one thing. But until that stance actually changes and the Blazers get a commitment (which I'm not convinced will happen), there's no reason to risk sacrificing the future for what in all likelihood would be a one-year rental at that point.
The Blazers need to continue their search for star power elsewhere, targeting players who either want to come here or are on longer deals.
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