Another day, another slightly different update on trade market. The would like to have a decision on Antetokounmpo’s future by the next week. And as we get closer to Tuesday’s first round, additional tidbits will emerge.
We know the have strong interest, with . The are , too, but will they ultimately offer enough to get a deal done?
Let’s take a look at the latest rumors surrounding the Greek superstar.
If the Bucks and Celtics do a trade, it would have to include more than just , . The Celtics would prefer to do a 1-to-1 swap; however, Milwaukee values draft picks. Boston could offer up to three first-round picks in the deal, or the Bucks could look to reroute Brown elsewhere to obtain the draft assets they seek. If this does turn into a three-team deal, it has previously been reported that the Bucks like the idea of bringing the into the conversation to hopefully regain the draft assets they sent out to land a few years ago.
There’s also a third option in which the Bucks could keep Brown and build around him, though it’s unclear how interested Milwaukee is in doing that, per The Athletic. Either way, it doesn’t sound like Milwaukee is too impressed with what the market is presenting them in a trade for Antetokounmpo right now.
Antetokounmpo’s future will likely hold up all other deals around the league until it’s settled, but teams may already be planning backup options if they lose that sweepstakes. The Heat, who have held long interest in the Greek Freak, could turn to of the as a Plan B option if they don’t land Antetokounmpo. might also be on that list, as the Heat held interest in him at February’s trade deadline, and the are “hopeful” that he will be someone’s backup plan.
If the Heat pivot to Leonard, they’d have some competition, as the are also interested in the two-time champion, per The Athletic. There isn’t much clarity surrounding Leonard’s availability right now. It’s unclear what the Clippers’ plans are this offseason after trading to the in February for . Will they still forge ahead with Leonard as their centerpiece, or take a step back and send Leonard elsewhere in an effort to reset? There’s also the looming cloud of Leonard’s status amid into whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap in order to pay Leonard.
If Boston ultimately decides not to trade for Antetokounmpo in a deal that would certainly include Brown, they could look for reinforcements elsewhere. The Celtics could instead keep the tandem of Brown and together and add from the , who could be a trade candidate this summer. The Celtics certainly won’t be the only team interested in trying to pry Murphy from New Orleans, but they could offer multiple first-round picks to the Pelicans in a deal.
It will ultimately come down to which team has the more attractive offer, because the first-round picks the Celtics can trade may not be that valuable if they continue to make deep postseason runs.
Minnesota was reportedly on the shortlist of teams trying to make a run at Antetokounmpo. However, their pursuits have “cooled,” according to The Athletic. Though that could change if they decide to make available. They might also be focusing their efforts on upgrading their existing roster. is someone the reportedly have interest in, though it certainly wouldn’t be easy prying him from the Celtics after a career year and an All-Defensive First Team selection
It would likely take a lot for the Celtics to part ways with White, even if they did land Antetokounmpo. Though from a financial standpoint, paying Tatum, Giannis and White could hamstring the Celtics in the future with this restrictive CBA. We’ve already seen the Celtics dump salary once after winning a championship in an effort to duck the luxury tax and stay far away from the second apron. Perhaps the Wolves could hope that the Celtics would do the same if they land Antetokounmpo.
