The Trail Blazers are essentially out of the running! Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to stay in the Eastern Conference: Which four powerhouse teams could land him?

On June 3, Beijing time, The Athletic provided an update on Giannis trade talks. While the Trail Blazers were once seen as a strong candidate, Giannis' inclination to stay in the Eastern Conference has all but eliminated their hopes. Below, we break down four Eastern Conference teams that might land the two-time MVP. The Athletic's detailed analysis follows——

1. Miami Heat

Across the league, rumors of the Heat pursuing Giannis are by far the hottest. From agents to team executives, many insiders are convinced that when this saga ends, Giannis will land in Miami.

Heat president Pat Riley has already stated that the team will make major offseason moves, and acquiring two-time MVP Giannis would be the most significant. At this year's trade deadline, the Heat engaged in deep negotiations—so deep that their front office was optimistic about a deal. Ultimately, the Bucks chose to postpone talks until this summer.

Rumors of Giannis' interest in the Heat have circulated for years. Sources say the Heat's championship pedigree and team culture have always appealed to him. However, a key concern remains: If Miami strips its roster to acquire Giannis, can they still maintain championship contention in the short term?

The Heat's trade package could include Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., plus all available first-round picks (two future firsts and the 2026 No. 13 pick). After such a blockbuster deal, Miami's roster would consist of Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell—severely lacking depth. While Riley and GM Andy Elisburg could add players via free agency, filling all the gaps quickly would be difficult.

Other team executives also question the frontcourt compatibility of Adebayo and Giannis. Adebayo is a three-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive selection, but last season he averaged 5.5 three-point attempts per game with a mere 31.8% success rate, limiting his spacing ability. Since Mike Budenholzer implemented a five-out offensive system in Giannis' first MVP season (2018-19), having a stretch center alongside him has been a necessity.

The Bucks' negotiation bottom line: They need a quality young cornerstone or a massive haul of draft picks. While Miami's offer is decent, if the Heat drive up the market, other teams could easily present better packages.

From Giannis' perspective, his 13-year career has always revolved around one goal: winning championships. Before his first title, that was his sole focus; after leading the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021, he has spent the last five years chasing another ring.

Whether moving to Miami would shorten his path to another title remains uncertain, but his personal preference will steer the trade's direction. He can't force a deal, but his willingness to commit long-term to a new team is a crucial variable in negotiations.

2. Boston Celtics

Recently, the Celtics have downplayed trade rumors. A longtime team reporter revealed that while Boston and Milwaukee have had no formal talks, the Celtics seriously discussed the feasibility of acquiring Giannis before the February trade deadline. Compared to Riley's loud recruitment efforts, Boston's quiet approach is understandable.

First, speculation about Jaylen Brown's dissatisfaction has subsided in recent weeks. After the Celtics were eliminated by the 76ers in the first round in early May, Brown said in a livestream that this season was the happiest of his career—an unusual comment that sparked trade rumors. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum missed extended time due to an Achilles injury, and Brown's solo leadership amplified external doubts. The Celtics have publicly and privately denied these rumors, so even if they pursue Giannis this summer, talks will be highly secretive. Still, the Bucks must seriously evaluate Boston's potential offer.

If the Celtics are willing to part with Brown, the package would be very tempting for Milwaukee: Brown is a five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, and 2024 Finals MVP, just two years younger than Giannis. His talent is undeniable, but the Bucks want a younger rising star, and Brown's age doesn't fit their rebuilding timeline. However, in a multi-team deal, Brown could be sent to a third team, allowing Boston to acquire players and picks in return, since Brown is still in his prime.

How Giannis views the Celtics is critical. His interest in Miami is well-known, but Boston's depth and roster vitality—arguably superior to Miami's—could also attract him. After a major trade, the Celtics would still be competitive, which appeals to Giannis' championship-driven mindset.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla just led the team to 56 wins and won Coach of the Year. With Tatum leading a deep roster, the Celtics are one of the most stable Eastern Conference franchises over the past decade. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said at season's end, "We urgently need to improve our interior paint presence." No one in the league excels at that more than Giannis, but whether Boston will make a move remains uncertain.

3. Orlando Magic

The NBA Finals tip off Thursday, but the Magic's current head coach will be sitting on the Spurs' bench, assisting them in their championship quest.

News from April: When the Magic were hiring a new head coach this offseason, then-Spurs assistant David Sveini was the league's top candidate, beating out names like Billy Donovan and Stan Van Gundy. The Magic have been eliminated in the first round for three straight years, and management urgently needs a reliable coach to break through—and acquiring Giannis is another path to that breakthrough.

Before the February trade deadline, the Magic actively inquired about Giannis, with 23-year-old core player Paolo Banchero as a potential centerpiece. After this season's first-round upset loss to the Pistons—underperforming expectations—and with coach Sveini's deep ties to Giannis, the Magic have become a strong potential destination.

In 2014, Sveini was a Bucks assistant coach under Jason Kidd, responsible for defensive schemes and serving as Giannis' personal development coach. For four full years, he oversaw the Greek Freak's daily training and even flew to Athens for extra offseason sessions.

Additionally, two Magic front office members are former Bucks executives from Giannis' draft era: Basketball President Jeff Weltman was the Bucks' assistant GM when they drafted Giannis in 2013, and Senior Advisor John Hammond was the Bucks' GM who selected the unknown Greek teenager with the 15th pick. With familiar faces and deep mutual understanding, Orlando would be an excellent choice if Giannis wants a return to a comfortable basketball environment.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavaliers GM Koby Altman publicly praised Evan Mobley in a postseason press conference, extolling his value to the team and dismissing trade rumors. This likely means the widely speculated offer of Mobley for Giannis is off the table.

Before the press conference, Mobley was the centerpiece of Cleveland's offer for Giannis. If they moved Mobley (either directly to Milwaukee or to the Thunder for assets), the Cavs could assemble a Big Three of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Giannis.

Mobley's talent surpasses any asset the Heat can offer, but his salary over the next four years totals $222.7 million. The Bucks would have to gamble that he consistently realizes his potential throughout that contract. The Cavs can offer a similar number of draft picks as the Heat (this year's No. 29 pick plus two future firsts), and Mobley's potential alone gives them a near-top-tier offer. However, the GM's latest comments essentially signal that this package will not be put on the table.