Latest Giannis Trade Rumors as Celtics Insider Reveals Team's Stance on Including Jaylen Brown

Despite growing speculation about the Boston Celtics' interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, at least one analyst is skeptical a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks will happen.

The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn explained, based on conversations with people around the NBA, Antetokounmpo is unlikely to end up in Boston even though the team is "gauging what it would take" to make the move.

Washburn noted the Celtics are trying to figure out if they even want to trade Jaylen Brown, including potential scenarios in which they could try to acquire Antetokounmpo without moving the five-time All-Star.

One potential drawback to this entire situation, as Washburn pointed out, is Brown hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors might cause a rift with the organization that the Celtics would need to repair if he doesn't get moved.

It would seem virtually impossible for the Celtics to pull off a deal for Antetokounmpo without Brown unless they were to trade Jayson Tatum, though he is reportedly viewed as untouchable.

The money alone makes it difficult for the Celtics not to put Brown in a package for Antetokounmpo. Tatum and Brown are both making more than $57 million next season.

Derrick White ($30.3 million) is the only other Celtics player with a salary over $11 million in 2026-27, so they would either be at the mercy of a third team to financially help them make a move or trade away all of their depth.

The Miami Heat are often cited as the other primary suitor for Antetokounmpo, but they also have hurdles to clear before potentially being able to get a deal done.

Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst, one reason the Bucks have engaged other teams is they are not "in love" with the offers Miami has presented.

The Heat's most recent proposals have included a combination of the No. 13 pick in this year's draft, plus a variety of rotation players, specifically Tyler Herro, and prospects, according to Windhorst.

Antetokounmpo does have some control over his future destination by virtue of holding a $62.8 million player option in his current contract for the 2027-28 season.

If he indicates to an interested team that he wouldn't sign an extension, the club might be less inclined to make an offer knowing they would only have him under contract for one season.

Windhorst did note Antetokounmpo would be willing to sign an extension with either Miami or Boston.

The Celtics are coming off a 56-26 record in the regular season, despite Tatum missing nearly the first five months recovering from a torn Achilles. They lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia 76ers in a seven-game series.

This marked the first time since the 2020-21 season that the Celtics didn't win at least one playoff series.