The Boston Celtics have made a big transfer of their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Jaylen Brown reportedly included as a part of their commerce bundle for the Milwaukee Bucks celebrity.
Showing on ESPN’s Get Up on Monday, Brian Windhorst reported that Boston is “all in” on buying Antetokounmpo and mentioned Brown is out there in discussions. Windhorst added that if a deal for Giannis occurs earlier than the 2026 NBA Draft, he believes the Celtics or Miami Warmth are the probably locations.
“If Giannis is traded within the subsequent 24 [hours], which I feel is an effective probability of occurring, I feel it’s going to be Boston or Miami,” Windhorst mentioned. “Jaylen Brown is on the desk.”
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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo is ready for a commerce and is targeted on Boston or Miami. Charania added that the ultimate deal is predicted to be a direct one-for-one construction between Milwaukee and a type of groups moderately than involving further franchises.
A Brown-for-Giannis framework would symbolize one of many largest participant swaps in latest NBA historical past. Brown is coming off a profession season, averaging 28.7 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists whereas serving to Boston end 56-26 and earn the No. 2 seed within the Japanese Convention.
For Milwaukee, the choice comes after a tough 2025-26 season. The Bucks completed 32-50 and missed each the playoffs and the Play-In Event for the primary time in almost a decade. Antetokounmpo remained dominant regardless of enjoying solely 36 video games, averaging 27.6 factors, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists whereas taking pictures 62.4% from the sphere.
The Warmth are additionally aggressively pursuing Antetokounmpo however face a unique problem. Windhorst mentioned Miami understands Brown is a part of Boston’s supply and has been looking for further groups to strengthen its proposal. Miami’s reported bundle is centered round youthful gamers, rookie-scale contracts and draft belongings, together with the No. 13 decide in Tuesday’s draft.
“Miami doesn’t have a premium participant, like a Jaylen Brown,” Windhorst mentioned. “Essentially the most premium asset they need to commerce is the thirteenth decide.”
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Miami’s reported strategy consists of gamers akin to Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic, together with draft capital. The Warmth completed 43-39 and reached the Play-In Event, whereas persevering with to seek for a brand new offensive centerpiece.
The Celtics’ pursuit comes with main roster implications past Giannis. Windhorst mentioned Brown might nonetheless be moved even when Boston doesn’t land Antetokounmpo, suggesting the group might look to reset its roster round Jayson Tatum.
“If the Bucks select the Miami Warmth supply, Jaylen Brown will get traded someplace else,” Windhorst mentioned. “They will transfer on right here.”
If Boston lands Giannis, the Celtics would pair Antetokounmpo with Tatum to create one of many NBA’s most gifted duos. If Milwaukee chooses Miami, the Bucks would as a substitute start a brand new period centered round younger gamers, draft picks and a possible franchise reset.
With the draft approaching, Milwaukee’s determination might reshape the Japanese Convention earlier than the primary decide is introduced.
