New Giannis Trade Rumors Link Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown in Potential Celtics, Bucks Deal

Even though the Boston Celtics would seem content with their roster given that they are most likely going to be the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference despite Jayson Tatum missing most of the season, an early playoff exit could push them into the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.

Appearing on FanDuel TV's Run It Back on Friday, The Athletic's Sam Amick said the Celtics will "look at the landscape" if they lose before the conference finals when asked about the possibility of Boston trading either Tatum or Jaylen Brown for Antetokounmpo.

The Celtics' moves last summer that helped them save more than $300 million between player salary and luxury tax payments could also have them in position to make a big splash via the trade market this offseason if they want to go in that direction.

Tatum's absence for the four months of the season was, in some ways, a blessing for the Celtics. Brown proved he could be the No. 1 option and will probably finish top five in MVP voting.

Since Tatum returned to the lineup on March 6, the Celtics are 13-5 in 18 games. They are 13-3 in the 16 games he has played during that span.

Boston will enter the playoffs as the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, but that doesn't guarantee anything. That was also the case last season before the Celtics were upset by the New York Knicks in the second round.

Antetokounmpo's value is going to be one of the most fascinating storylines amid the ongoing trade saga with the Milwaukee Bucks. He has only played 70 games in a season once since 2019-20 and will finish this season with a career-low 36 appearances, barring a surprise start in either of the Bucks' final two games.

Since January 2025, Antetokounmpo has missed time with injuries to his knee, calf, foot and groin. There's a lot of miles on his legs already 13 seasons into his NBA career, and he will turn 32 early next season.

Tatum and Brown are both still in their 20s, though Brown will turn 30 on Oct. 24. They are both under contract for at least the next three seasons beyond the 2025-26 campaign.

Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, has one more guaranteed year on his current contract plus a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He can sign a four-year, $275 million extension with the Bucks on Oct. 1, but he would have to wait until after next season to sign that deal if he were to be traded.

When Antetokounmpo has played this season, he's been nothing short of incredible. The two-time NBA MVP is averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. It's his eighth consecutive season averaging more than 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

It wouldn't be a surprise if the Celtics test the market if they have another disappointing playoff exit, but the Tatum-Brown pairing has been so successful that it would take a huge difference-maker like Antetokounmpo to get the organization to consider breaking it up.