(AP Photo\/Jeffrey Phelps)<\/em>\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/header>\nGiannis Antetokounmpo\u2019s trade rumors seem to evolve weekly, but two teams have been linked to the former NBA champion and league MVP more than any others: the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.<\/p>\n
Since trade rumors initially picked up early in the offseason, it\u2019s believed that Antetokounmpo\u2019s preferred trade destination is a title contender in the Eastern Conference. Outside of the obvious Knicks, who are up 2-0 in the NBA Finals, there are a handful of teams that fit that bill: Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Orlando could be considered in that tier of Eastern Conference teams.<\/p>\n
However, most teams that have the assets to trade for Antetokounmpo would need to gut the better parts of their lineup in order to make a legal trade happen, and that would make them less likely to be contenders.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the advantage Boston seemingly possesses over just about every other team Antetokounmpo would be willing to play for: its roster would not be depleted in the process of acquiring the \u2018Greek Freak\u2019. <\/p>\n
Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show<\/a>, The Athletic\u2019s Sam Amick said the rumors of Antetokounmpo to the Celtics have some serious traction, at least on Antetokounmpo\u2019s end.<\/p>\n\u201cMiami is the loudest noise, you continue to hear that \u2026 yes, it appears everybody you talk to says Miami at the deadline had a deal that was close,\u201d Amick said. \u201cSo the noise is tied to Miami, but there\u2019s also some understanding that Giannis has questions about what that Miami roster would look like on the other side of the deal.<\/p>\n\n\n