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The Boston Celtics could trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Boston Celtics are out of the playoffs after a first-round exit, and the offseason questions are already starting to pile up. One of the bigger storylines developing around the league involves Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, who are working through a decision on his future ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam has indicated the organization wants clarity on the situation before draft night.

Milwaukee finished 32-50 this past season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. Antetokounmpo played just 36 games due to injuries, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists when he was on the court. No trade request has been made. But the conversation around his future is moving quickly, and Boston has emerged as one of the names worth watching.

What the Latest Report Says About Boston

GettyJayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

According to Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic, people around the league have pegged the Celtics as a team to watch in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. The reporting stops short of saying Boston has made a formal inquiry, but the league-wide perception that they are a natural fit has been noted by those paying close attention to how this situation develops.

Amick and Nehm also noted that Antetokounmpo’s own preferences will carry significant weight in the process. As they put it: “Giannis’ voice will play a pivotal part in the process.” If he identifies teams he genuinely wants to play for, those franchises will feel more comfortable putting together aggressive offers.

What a Celtics Offer Would Look Like

GettyJaylen Brown, Boston Celtics.

This is where it gets complicated for Boston. Any realistic offer for Antetokounmpo would almost certainly require a star-level piece in return. With Jayson Tatum generally regarded as the Celtics’ best player, Jaylen Brown would be the more likely centerpiece of any package Boston puts together.

That conversation is complicated by recent noise around Brown’s relationship with the organization. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens addressed the situation this week and said there has been nothing in his conversations with Brown to suggest anything is wrong. The situation bears watching regardless.

What is clear is that if Boston decides to pursue Antetokounmpo seriously, the price will be significant. The Bucks are not moving a two-time MVP for anything short of a proven star and meaningful assets.

Final Word for the Celtics

Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, and the Bucks are still working through their decision-making process ahead of the draft.

But the Celtics’ name is in the conversation. Whether that leads anywhere depends on a lot of moving parts, including what Giannis himself wants.

That part, according to The Athletic, could end up being the most important factor of all.