Celtics' 2022 debacle should explain why Giannis interest was kept under wraps

For the past few weeks, any intel suggesting Giannis Antetokounmpo could join the Boston Celtics was actually more about him wanting to join them rather than the other way around. It wasn't until literally yesterday that more rumors suggested the feeling is mutual.

The noise has only been pumped up since.

But why is this happening now? Why weren't these rumors floating around when it first became clear Giannis and the Bucks were on the outs? The answer to this question may very well point back to one of the most awkward times of the Brad Stevens GM era: when it came out that he had discussed trading Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant.

This happened back in 2022, not too long after Boston had just made their first run to the NBA Finals since 2010. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Celtics had discussed sending Brown, Derrick White, and assets to the Brooklyn Nets.

Reading the tea leaves, he wasn't the one who leaked that, but was likely taking the temperature on what it would take to get Durant, but made a rare rookie mistake not realizing the Nets would leak that to give any interested suitors the bar to clear if they wanted Durant.

But unfortunately, doing so created quite an awkward situation between Brown and the franchise. Brown's maturity from pretty much the jump is very impressive and speaks volumes about his character, but even he would take something like this personally, especially after Boston came within two wins of Banner 18 at the time.

Luckily, they were able to get past that, but it's clear the Celtics don't want such a situation to happen again because if they don't get a star like that, and Brown catches wind that they tried to trade him again, that could lead to a trade request saga that Boston doesn't want because even if they are dangling him in trades, that doesn't mean they are actively trying to trade him.

Boston would only be interested in Giannis if they think a deal is probable

Until recently, the Celtics have seemingly stayed out of the Giannis sweepstakes, likely because they weren't sure how strong their odds were and wanted to avoid a potentially disastrous situation with Brown if they couldn't land the Greek Freak.

With all the noise suggesting they are very much in play for the two-time MVP, it would suggest that Boston's not only in but also leading the charge. Time will tell whether Antetokounmpo will be donning a Celtics uniform, but all the intel that's come out wouldn't be what it is if there hadn't been some indication that they want him.

This would not be leaking to the press if Boston didn't feel good about their chances because they have learned the hard way of what happens when you don't keep your card close to the vest.

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