After a disappointing first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics are looking to gear up for another run, and that could include acquiring one of the league’s premier players in Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Celtics would theoretically pair Antetokounmpo with Jayson Tatum while sending Brown to Milwaukee or potentially a third team (the Atlanta Hawks have been a popular name in rumors).
However, not everyone believes the Celtics should jump on a deal for the two-time MVP.
Celtics Icon Paul Pierce Urges Boston Not to Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Since the season came to a close, there has been plenty of chatter around Brown and his potential desire to leave the Celtics. He hasn’t publicly said anything about finding a new home, but there have been hints.
That’s why rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo potentially joining Boston have gained steam lately.
However, former Celtics legend Paul Pierce does not believe the Celtics should deal for Antetokounmpo.
“I’m not in on this one,” Pierce said on Wednesday’s edition of the “No Fouls Given” podcast. “I mean, you were number two, two years in a row, with what you have. You keep Jaylen, you keep Jayson, and you build on that. Like, don’t take that for granted. That’s a winning combination. I don’t care what people say.”
Paul Pierce says the Celtics shouldn’t trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo:
“I’m not in on this one. I mean, you were the number two, two years in a row with what you have. You keep Jaylen, you keep Jayson and you build on that. Like, don’t take that for granted. That’s a winning… pic.twitter.com/Vznb7LcMlb
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 17, 2026
The Celtics have put together an impressive résumé since drafting Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in back-to-back drafts. The 2024 NBA champions have not had a losing season since Tatum joined the team in 2017 and have won at least 50 games in each of the last five years.
The 2025-26 campaign was perhaps Boston’s most impressive regular-season showing, going 56-26 despite Tatum playing in just 16 games as he rehabbed his torn right Achilles tendon.
That success explains why someone could be hesitant to trade one of the Celtics’ Big 2.
“Whoever the core pieces are after that, think about the teams that’s been to multiple Finals,” Pierce explained. “Their core stayed together, you just shift and figure out the other pieces to make the team better.”
Pierce thinks teams need to build continuity for sustained success, and making a deal like this, despite Antetokounmpo’s talent, may not work out.
“You don’t bring another franchise player in and think it’s gonna work,” Pierce maintained. “This works! We know!”
However, Pierce does believe there is a scenario in which you make the deal.
“If it’s me, I wouldn’t touch it, but if there’s some unhappiness from Jaylen, which I don’t know, and he wants to explore other avenues to see what’s out there, then I think you have to then, if he’s unhappy, but if not, I don’t do anything,” Pierce concluded.
Despite injury issues limiting him to 36 games this past season, Antetokounmpo still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 62.4% from the field.
If Antetokounmpo is truly available, several teams looking to take the next step will be suitors. Aside from the Celtics, the Miami Heat have often been linked to Antetokounmpo, and, to a lesser extent, there have been rumors that the Orlando Magic could get involved.
Antetokounmpo would almost certainly be the best player on the move this offseason, so this should remain one of the top stories to watch moving forward.
