Before the New York Knicks erased a 29-point deficit to move within one win of ending a 53-year championship drought, the Hoop Collective podcast previewed Game 4 of the NBA Finals and discussed other matters around the Association.
Naturally, one of those topics was the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. As they weighed the merits of the two-time MVP landing with the Boston Celtics, ESPN NBA insider and analyst Brian Windhorst labeled the prospect of parting with Jaylen Brown to make that happen a "hypothetical based in some reality."
If the Celtics are prepared to separate Brown and Jayson Tatum after nearly a decade of success together, including leading the franchise to Banner 18, to pull this off, then they immediately become the most likely destination for Antetokounmpo. That is, except for a team that could offer the Milwaukee Bucks a burgeoning young talent, like the Orlando Magic.
Going through with this would mean opting for the riskier path forward. However, it's a justifiable gamble for a top-five player. Acquiring him could represent their best chance at a championship.
That's why Windhorst isn't the only one hearing that Boston may be in on the Bucks' star forward after all.
Speculation about the Celtics' pursuit of Giannis is intensifying
In the aftermath of the Knicks pulling off the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, Bill Simmons shared a similar sentiment on his eponymously named podcast.
“I thought they were sitting out this Giannis thing and I no longer think that."@BillSimmons believes that the Celtics are now in the mix to make a trade for Giannis. pic.twitter.com/pbi0H44lFy
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 11, 2026
"I thought Boston was out of this," conveyed Simmons. "I know Boston was out of this. I was wondering if they were playing possum or not. I think they were playing a little possum. I think they are in on Giannis."
That would be a concerning, potentially devastating development for the Miami Heat. Pat Riley and Co. are the perceived favorites to acquire Antetokounmpo.
One reason for that is the leverage the 10-time All-Star has. He can opt out of his contract next offseason. His desire to remain in the East, with the belief that South Beach and the South End are at the top of his wish list, shrinks the list of potential suitors. So do the concerns about his durability and the lucrative extension he's in line for.
Add it all up, and the Heat are within arms reach of pulling off a summer blockbuster despite not having the means to pay what it typically costs.
"Maybe they felt like Miami's offer is an offer they could beat," said Simmons. "Maybe they want to drive the price of Miami's offer up and don't really have interest in him. Giannis is pushing for Miami or Boston. Those are the two locations, and really wants to end up in Boston because he would have the best chance to win a title. Boston is not ruling out the idea is my intel. In general, I'm prepared for anything with Boston now."
Between what Windhorst and Simmons have had to say on the matter in the last roughly 24 hours, there's now a lot more smoke around this situation.
Of course, it's paramount that the Celtics handle this matter delicately and in a stealth fashion. It would be an absolute disaster to see Antetokounmpo end up elsewhere and sour their relationship with Brown.
But if they really are prepared to part with him, then odds are, his "favorite season" in Boston was his last one there, and that the Celtics will be chasing championships with Antetokounmpo standing aside Tatum.
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