Bill Simmons’ Giannis intel signals Celtics’ big-picture stance on Jaylen Brown

During Friday's episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," the host of the eponymous show shared intel he received regarding two teams Giannis Antetokounmpo is interested in taking his talents to.

One of those was the Miami Heat, a possibility previously explored. The other was the Boston Celtics. However, according to Simmons, that interest might be stronger on one side than on the other.

"I think Giannis wants to go to Boston, and I'm not sure Boston wants him," he told guest co-host and Ringer NBA writer Rob Mahoney.

Along with preferring to stay in the Eastern Conference, Simmons cited Antetokounmpo working with Drew Hanlan, the same trainer who has been there for nearly every step of Jayson Tatum's basketball journey. He also noted the 10-time All-Star's deep respect for the Celtics' organization.

However, it appears that the two sides don't feel the same way about partnering. That may reveal Boston's plans regarding a franchise cornerstone who often finds his name in the rumor mill.

Celtics' lack of interest in Giannis may signal a commitment to Jaylen Brown

If Boston offers a player who was in the MVP conversation this season to acquire Antetokounmpo, that's going to be difficult for another team to top. As previously detailed, the Milwaukee Bucks' roster without Giannis suggests it would make more sense to turn this into a multi-team construct.

For example, Brown could end up with his hometown Atlanta Hawks. The latter could entice the Bucks with Jalen Johnson, who's five years younger, as the centerpiece of a package that would include other young talent and draft capital.

However, Simmons' skepticism over the Celtics' interest in Antetokounmpo suggests that's not on the table. Maybe that information is incorrect. Perhaps it's a stance that will change in due time. But as outlined on multiple occasions, from this vantage point, swapping the two would be an ill-advised gamble for Boston.

While respecting the pedigree of a two-time league MVP, who's still a top-five player in the Association, the concerns about his durability are too great. And trading for him presumably means extending his contract. It wouldn't make sense not to, since he can opt out of his current deal after the 2026-27 campaign. It's an extension that could handcuff his new team when it takes effect.

The Celtics should pass on volatility

Some are opposed to the Celtics resetting the repeater tax next season, arguing it's short-changing a year of Jayson Tatum's prime. Antetokounmpo's injury history and the mileage on the tires of a 12-year veteran would subject the organization to a volatile championship window that could close for the next several years before that tandem ever shares the floor in the playoffs.

With Brown and Jayson Tatum, the franchise has proof of concept. They know that their star duo can lead them to an NBA title. And it's a younger pairing that is more likely to stay healthy and get an honest crack at the Larry O'Brien Trophy year in and year out.

Even if Boston were to give itself better odds of capturing Banner 19 by making this deal, is it worth sacrificing the ability to pursue that from a more stable footing? It's an unnecessary gamble that could immediately backfire.

Despite all of that, if the Celtics are trading for a star who's already in his 30s, the younger, scandal-free, and less aloof Antetokounmpo is the more reliable option than Kawhi Leonard.

Under this more punitive collective bargaining agreement, championship windows close faster than ever in the NBA. And Boston doesn't just have to navigate its way through the Eastern Conference; it has to worry about two juggernauts in the West in the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

It's fair to size up three-year windows with Brown flanking Tatum compared to players like Leonard and Antetokounmpo. But the longer the former remains with the franchise that drafted him, the more likely that the organization will give him an extension. The Celtics should feel more comfortable going that route with Brown compared to these two other options.

Maybe they could pull off a summer blockbuster for Antetokounmpo without giving up Brown. If the Bucks don't want the latter, then trading Derrick White to help facilitate a deal again points to a multi-team construct.

Perhaps Boston could offer a package that includes at least part, if not all, of the return for White, with added draft capital, and a combination of its younger talent. Milwaukee would have every right to demand the inclusion of players like Payton Pritchard and Hugo Gonzalez.

According to Gerry Woelfel, a Pro Basketball Writers Association award winner, the Heat are offering the Bucks Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, and two future first-round selections. Unless the return for White wound up being enough to tip the scales in the other direction, this tops what the Celtics would likely offer without including Brown in the deal.

So, while it's fun to envision a new Big 3 in Boston, Antetokounmpo joining forces with Tatum and Brown doesn't seem realistic. Instead, it appears the Celtics remain committed to Brown and to building another title team around its star tandem. From this vantage point, choosing that path and contending for titles with more stability is a better approach than embracing volatility.

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