NBA Rumors: The two teams leading the race in the fight for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Surprisingly, Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers are currently the main candidates to secure the Greek star
Beyond the rise of Victor Wembanyama as a new figure in the NBA, the big issue that will mark the coming weeks in the league is the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. While speculations about destinations like Miami, Boston, or Golden State have been ongoing for months, journalist Marc Stein now asserts that two franchises have taken the lead in the race to secure the two-time MVP.
According to information managed by Stein, both the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers are already working to try to finalize the acquisition of Antetokounmpo. In fact, various sources suggest that the outcome of this deal could happen in the coming weeks, coinciding with the moves leading up to the NBA Draft.
Miami maintains a long-standing interest
Miami's interest in Antetokounmpo is nothing new. The Florida franchise has been linked to the Greek player for years and seems determined to return to contention for the title.
Since Jimmy Butler's departure to Golden State during the 2025 trade market, the Heat have lost prominence in the battle for the league's top goals. In this context, the arrival of a superstar like Giannis is a priority for the organization led by Pat Riley.
Damian Lillard's factor boosts Portland's candidacy
However, the most surprising name among the main contenders is Portland. The Trail Blazers have a very important card to try to convince Antetokounmpo: Damian Lillard.
It was precisely Giannis who pushed for Lillard's transfer from Portland to Milwaukee a few years ago with the intention of joining forces and winning a new championship with the Bucks. That project did not yield the expected results, and in addition, Lillard suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during the 2025 playoffs' first round against Indiana.
Months later, the point guard decided to return to Portland, the franchise where he had spent 11 of his 13 NBA seasons.
Lillard attempts to reunite with Giannis
During the last trade market, Lillard already tried to persuade Antetokounmpo to land in Portland. Now, with the possibility of a move becoming increasingly likely, the veteran player has intensified his efforts.
Lillard hopes to return to the court in the 2026-27 season and aims to reciprocate the favor to the Greek player, attempting to draw him to the Trail Blazers this time. A hypothetical partnership between them, along with the emerging Deni Avdija, would make Portland a serious threat within the Western Conference.
Moreover, many believe that one of the few ways to compete with Victor Wembanyama in the short term is to have a player with the physical characteristics and extraordinary talent of Antetokounmpo.
A resolution that could come before the Draft
Recent reports have also indicated the presence of another surprise team in the fight for the Greek international, although more details have not yet been disclosed.
What seems clear is that the situation could be resolved very soon. The NBA Draft is set for June 23, and all signs point to Giannis Antetokounmpo's future being defined before that date.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los dos equipos que lideran la carrera en la lucha por Giannis Antetokounmpo
