Celtics Eyeing Giannis Trade Amid Offseason Changes

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics are reportedly considering a trade for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as they navigate a challenging offseason. The Celtics are expected to make adjustments to their roster, primarily shopping key players in pursuit of luxury tax relief rather than acquiring big names.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst highlighted that Antetokounmpo, who might be leaving the Milwaukee Bucks after their third consecutive first-round playoff exit, could target teams in the Eastern Conference, including the Celtics. “If I was Giannis and I’m looking at the lay of the land right now, I want to stay in the Eastern Conference,” Windhorst stated on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday.

Windhorst explained the complexities in acquiring Antetokounmpo, who is under contract for two more seasons with a salary of $54.1 million for 2025-26. He noted that financial maneuvers would be necessary for the Celtics, whose current roster is projected to be the most expensive in NBA history at $198.4 million.

Boston’s superstar Jayson Tatum is currently sidelined due to an Achilles injury, affecting the team’s potential moves. Windhorst mentioned, “Boston would be on that list” of teams capable of acquiring Giannis, given their need to shed roughly $20 million to reduce their salary cap burden.

“The conversation was more intriguing before the Tatum injury,” Windhorst said, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Tatum’s recovery and how it impacts any trade for Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo’s performance remains elite, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season, maintaining a top position in MVP voting for several years. In the recent playoffs, he averaged 33.0 points and 15.4 rebounds in five games against the Indiana Pacers.

For any potential deal, the Celtics would likely need to include Jaylen Brown to make the salaries work, as both players are among the highest earners in the league. “The only legal move they can make while they are a second-apron team is to trade Tatum for Giannis,” said NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics insider Chris Forsberg. “But Jaylen Brown would have to be part of the deal.”

The Celtics’ future remains uncertain as they attempt to balance roster changes and navigate the challenges posed by the salary cap. With multiple teams showing interest in Antetokounmpo, including New York and others in the East, the next steps for Boston could significantly impact the team’s trajectory moving forward.