The Celtics would love to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it’s not going to be that easy.
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said previously that the team would like to have the superstar’s future resolved before the NBA draft, which is now just three days away.
And while the Celtics are interested in adding the two-time MVP, new reporting suggests that Boston and Milwaukee are not exactly on the same page.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that “if Boston had its way,” the Celtics would nab Antetokounmpo, 31, by simply sending Jaylen Brown the other way in a one-for-one swap.
However, Amick added that it’s “unclear” whether the Bucks would want to build around the 29-year-old Brown, and said it’s “widely believed” that further players and/or picks would be required in an Antetokounmpo trade.
It is also said that the 2021 Finals MVP would be comfortable signing an extension with Boston.
Nonetheless, the Bucks will want to find a resolution to Antetokounmpo’s situation soon amid continued speculation and innuendo from his side.
While he has yet to publicly demand a trade, he reportedly approached the Bucks for a trade on at least two occasions this past season.
The Bucks also held some brief talks with the Knicks over a potential Antetokounmpo trade last summer, ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported.
Milwaukee decided to hold onto the Future Hall of Famer past this season’s trade deadline, despite the team being out of contention, but the organization has now found itself “underwhelmed” by the offers on its table, Amick reported, citing anonymous executives.
The Heat are also reportedly interested in Antetokounmpo.
Statistically, it was another strong season for him as he notched 27.6 points per game to go along with 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in just 36 games.
But the roster was lacking in talent around him and finished just 32-50 before getting the No. 10 pick in the NBA draft lottery.
Brown, meanwhile, finished sixth in MVP voting as he led the Celtics to a strong season with Jayson Tatum missing most of the season due to injury.
But there are suggestions that Brown, 29, may finally want to lead his own team.
