Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

An Eastern Conference team has emerged as the frontrunner in what could be a race for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

There’s a lot of speculation going on around the Greek Freak amid rumors of disenchantment with his current team.

Bovada has listed the Miami Heat as favorites to land the two-time MVP should the Bucks opt to trade him, with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets behind them.

The Heat have been linked to Giannis for a few years now, but getting a deal over the line would be easier said than done, as it would command a massive trade package.

Any such package would have to include big man Bam Adebayo, who is not on Antetokounmpo’s level but is seen as an essential part of Miami’s core and is thought to have more upside given his age.

The Bucks Should Resist Parting Ways With Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks would also be less than keen on trading away their superstar, who is their franchise centerpiece and the player who was most instrumental in leading them to their first championship in 50 years back in 2021.

Of course, they would be more inclined to move him on if he makes demands.

Should that be the case, the Heat would not have a clear path to the Greece international as there would be plenty of competition from other teams, with the likes of Oklahoma, San Antonio, and Houston all thought to have superior tradeable assets.

If Antetokounmpo refuses to sign an extension, we can expect speculation to heighten. However, he is contracted to the team until the end of the 2027/28 season and isn’t actually due an extension until 2025/26.