Celtics' Jaylen Brown-Giannis trade rumors take turn as Boston targets ultimate dream path
The rumor mill surrounding a potential blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to pick up steam, and just took its most interesting turn yet. Up until now, every realistic trade scenario assumed that 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown would have to be the undeniable centerpiece heading to Milwaukee. Apparently, the Celtics have other ideas.
Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ front office are reportedly quietly feeling out the ultimate dream path. Instead of a superstar swap, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reports that the team is “sniffing around” to find out if they could acquire Antetokounmpo without including Brown.
“…I do think Boston is kind of sniffing around and finding out could you even acquire Giannis without sacrificing Jaylen?” Washburn said. “That would be a big question. What exactly is Milwaukee looking for?”
Celtics insider views it as unlikely that Giannis ends up in Boston, says Miami has ‘edge’
Although Washburn reports that the Celtics are gauging what it would take to acquire Antetokounmpo without including Brown, he added that he doesn’t think the Bucks star will ultimately wind up in Boston.
“I don’t think he’s going to be a Celtic. That’s just from what I’m hearing,” Washburn stated. “I think the Celtics are gauging what it would take to get Giannis to Boston and trying to figure out whether they want to move Jaylen Brown. And if there’s rumors that Jaylen has been moved and he hears that all summer, what kind of mentality will he have coming into next season? Which is critical for this franchise. I do think Miami has the edge on this.”
According to Gary Washburn the Celtics have no intention of trading Jaylen Brown and are exploring other ways to pull off a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. pic.twitter.com/drogAmGWnY
— CELTICS ☘️ BANNER 19 (@BiggLynch) June 16, 2026
It’s understandable on both sides for the Celtics, especially given the possibility of acquiring Antetokounmpo without including Brown in the deal. Although that’s almost certainly a long shot, and there are several factors that could play a role, including a likely contract extension for Giannis, it’ll be interesting to see how any possible offer not including Brown would stack up against the Miami Heat.
If Celtics opt to keep Jaylen Brown out of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks, Heat benefit tremendously
The Heat appear to have stood firm with their offer for the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and if the Celtics do piece together a package that doesn’t include Brown, it would likely include a third team being significantly involved. However, that same angle could stand true for the Heat, who are believed to have already put together a strong offer for Antetokounmpo that doesn’t include Bam Adebayo.
If the Bucks are targeting a quick rebuild with a young core, then it’ll come down primarily to whether a deal can bring a high first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. That remains a big question mark surrounding any trade for Giannis, and could also potentially be a sticking point for the Bucks as trade talks progress.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jaylen Brown-Giannis trade rumors take turn as Celtics target dream path
