New Giannis Trade Rumors on Celtics' Interest, Bucks Star's Mindset Amid Heat Buzz

After recent reports of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo having interest in a move to the Boston Celtics, the Celtics are reportedly now reciprocating that interest.

Speaking Thursday on his Bill Simmons Podcast (h/t MassLive.com's Brian Robb), The Ringer's Bill Simmons reported that the Celtics had a change of heart regarding their pursuit of the two-time NBA MVP.

"I thought Boston was out of this," Simmons said. "I know Boston was out of this. I was wondering if they were playing possum or not. I think they were playing a little possum. I think they are in on Giannis. I'm not recanting what I said before. I don't know the reasons for it. Maybe they felt like Miami's offer is an offer they could beat. Maybe they want to drive the price of Miami's offer up and don't really have interest in him."

Simmons added that it is believed Antetokounmpo wants to end up with either the Celtics or Miami Heat, saying, "Giannis is pushing for Miami or Boston. Those are the two locations and really wants to end up in Boston because he would have the best chance to win a title. Boston is not ruling out the idea is my intel. In general, I'm prepared for anything with Boston now."

That information is a massive change from what Simmons relayed on his podcast last month when he said, "I think Giannis wants to go to Boston and I'm not sure Boston wants Giannis. I think that's the push and pull right now."

While Simmons believes the Celtics have altered their position on Giannis, the idea that the 10-time All-Star favors a move to Boston or Miami is nothing new.

Last week, Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported that "many people around the league" expect the Heat to land Giannis.

Amick and Nehm added that Antetokounmpo is "both intrigued and impressed with the [Heat's] winning culture."

However, they also reported that Giannis is "very intrigued" by the Celtics since they could be instant title contenders with him, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, provided neither Tatum nor Brown are part of the trade.

On Wednesday, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the expectation was that Giannis would be traded after the NBA Finals, but before the June 23 NBA draft.

Fischer suggested that the Bucks wanting to gauge the New York Knicks' interest in the one-time NBA Finals MVP may have something to do with it, but with the Knicks up 3-1 on the San Antonio Spurs and on the verge of their first championship since 1973, it is fair to wonder if they would want to shake up their roster so significantly.

That may very well leave the Heat and Celtics as Giannis' two top suitors, and based on Simmons' report, Boston may be prepared to stand toe-to-toe with Miami in an attempt to land one of the NBA's best players.