Since the season’s end, the Boston Celtics have been heavily linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If their pursuit of the two-time MVP falls through, however, Boston could target a $112 million forward who would fit seamlessly alongside stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Celtics Eye Trey Murphy III as Backup Plan
On Friday afternoon, senior NBA writer Sam Amick published an article for The Athletic detailing the latest developments in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga, including potential landing spots, possible trade packages, and even an alternative for Boston if they are unable to land Antetokounmpo.
“By all accounts, Boston could forge ahead with the Brown-Jayson Tatum dynamic duo and look for other ways to upgrade the frontcourt,” Amick wrote. “To that end, league sources say the Celtics are among the many teams with interest in the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III (if they don’t land Antetokounmpo).”
The Celtics currently have three future first-round picks available for trade. Contract-wise, sharpshooting forward Sam Hauser, making $10.8 million next season, could be available for trade. Fan-favorite guard Payton Pritchard could also be involved, but at only $7.8 million in 2026, Boston may prefer to hold onto his team-friendly deal.
Meanwhile, Murphy, who signed a four-year, $112 million contract, is set to earn $27 million next season. A deal involving Hauser, draft picks, and a few young assets could be Boston’s most realistic path to acquiring Murphy from New Orleans.
Assuming Boston completes the trade without dealing Derrick White, they would enter the 2026-27 season with arguably the Eastern Conference’s best starting five. White would handle the backcourt duties, while Brown and Tatum operate on the wing.
Murphy, who last season averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals on 47% from the field and 37.9% from downtown, also brings a great blend of size, shooting, and defense that fits strongly with the rest of the unit.
Lastly, 2025 breakout Neemias Queta is currently expected to start at center, though Boston still has plenty of time to add another big man. All things considered, this roster, along with Pritchard off the bench, has very few weaknesses.
MORE: ESPN Insider Predicts Celtics’ Stance On Jaylen Brown Trade Amid Recent Giannis Antetokounmpo Rumors
Boston showed this past season that, even without Tatum for the majority of it, they can seriously compete. If this group is healthy entering 2026, revamps the bench unit, and builds chemistry, they should once again be viewed as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
As for Antetokounmpo, fans will have to wait and see what the Bucks decide to do, but it certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Celtics if they fail to land the two-time MVP.
