Giannis Antetokounmpo has the entire NBA on pins and needles as the Milwaukee Bucks are looking for a blockbuster summer trade for their cornerstone before the June 23 draft. ESPN’s Shams Charania in May reported that the Bucks are “open for business on trade calls and offers” for the 10-time All-Star.
With trade rumors heating up, the Miami Heat remained a top destination. But just when it seemed they had a clear path for landing the two-time MVP, the Boston Celtics entered the chat as the ultimate wildcard, a move that could completely reshape the Eastern Conference landscape.
Bill Simmons Reveals Intel About Celtics’ Interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Celtics were long thought to be sitting out the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks. But despite those whispers, The Ringer’s founder revealed on his podcast that he believes the front office was executing a perfect play-action fake to hide their true intentions.
On The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons said the Celtics are not ruling out a bold move for the Greek Freak, calling them “playing possum.”
“I thought Boston was out of this. I know Boston was out of this. And I was wondering if they were playing possum or not. I think they were playing a little possum. I think they’re in on Giannis,” said Simmons. “So I’m not recanting what I said before.”
“I don’t really know the reason for it. Maybe they felt like Miami’s offer is an offer they could beat. Maybe they want to drive the price of Miami’s offer up, and they don’t actually have interest in him. But as I said over and over again, Giannis is pushing for Miami or Boston. Those are the two locations and really wants to end up at Boston because it would have the best chance to win the title.”
Simmons further noted, “I think Boston is not ruling out the idea, that’s my intel. And in general, I’m prepared for anything in Boston. I wonder if they’re going to use this opportunity with the assets they have with the $27 million trade exception to completely change what this team looks like. So, who knows? They might not do anything, but I thought they were sitting out this Giannis thing, and I no longer think that. I thought Boston was out of this. I know Boston was out of this.”
Acquiring a powerhouse who averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 62.4% field shooting requires immense salary capital. The former NBA Finals MVP is currently under a 3-year, $175 million contract and is set to earn $58.4 million for the 2026-27 season.
The Celtics possess a massive $27.7 million trade player exception, which they generated after sending guard Anfernee Simons to the Bulls in exchange for veteran center Nikola Vučević.
This financial cushion allows them to maneuver comfortably under the first apron. Still, to match Antetokounmpo’s super-max heavy contract, the Celtics would likely have to part with some depth pieces to make room on the salary bench.
