Celtics could be the true frontrunners for Giannis Antetokounmpo after Heat concerns rise
Celtics could be the true frontrunners for Giannis Antetokounmpo after Heat concerns rise originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Now that the NBA is officially in the offseason, rumors are now at an all-time high for trades, both for small and blockbusters. One of the biggest names that’s at the top of everyone’s watchlist is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who looks to break away from the Milwaukee Bucks to contend somewhere else.
The Boston Celtics are also another name to watch, as they have been rumored to be heavily involved with Antetokounmpo. While it was recently rumored that the other frontrunner for Giannis, the Miami Heat, were concerned with the Celtics being in the race.
Now, it seems the Celtics are the true frontrunners for Giannis.
The Celtics/Giannis connection is stronger than ever
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Celtics have always been a potential landing spot for Giannis, as it was said he would sign an extension if he got traded to them. Now, it seems they are in the driver’s seat.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Bucks do not like what Miami is offering for Giannis at the moment. The Heat could upgrade it, but then they would probably lose all their contending assets other than Bam Adebayo, making more of a lateral move for Giannis.
The Celtics could make a deal that would still keep their contending core, and at least Jayson Tatum. They have been looking for ways to keep both Jays, but sending Jaylen Brown in a three-teamer might be the way Boston beats Miami.
Truly a match made in heaven
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
While some people don’t see the match, Giannis would work perfectly in Boston’s offense. Because of Mazzulla Ball, the Celtics live and die by the three-point line. While it gives them awesome victories when they hit their shots, it gives them brutal defeats when they don’t.
Giannis would give them an unparalleled superstar at the rim to drive when the shots aren’t falling, and grab boards for second chance points. When he starts to get double-team or collapsed on, he can kick out to an open shooter for an easy look.
Hopefully it comes true
Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
While it would hurt to lose Jaylen Brown or any other stars, it would be for the greater good. One of the Celtics’ biggest rivals in the East won the championship this season, and another embarrassed them by making them blow a 3-1 lead in the playoffs.
If Boston wants to truly continue it’s reign of dominance, this is the move they need to make.
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