There have been plenty of rumors circulating about the Boston Celtics' interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo for a few weeks now. However, recent intel from Bill Simmons indicates that while the two-time MVP would be open to joining Boston, the feeling might not be mutual. We'll have to see if that's how things play out, but it could be a problem if he instead joins their rival, the Miami Heat.
In that same intel, Simmons suggested that the Heat have also come up as one of his preferred destinations. The Celtics can rationalize that this year was a one-off, as they had stripped themselves down while also dealing with Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear while the Heat are in a much more desperate situation.
They have done absolutely nothing of merit since their miracle run in 2023, and their options are running low. They have a history of getting big fish (though it has been a while) so they will definitely have the confidence to do it again.
For the record, Simmons isn't the first media member to suggest that there might not be interest in Antetokounmpo on Boston's side, as Fischer said the same thing earlier this month. If they think the best move is to build around the Jays rather than to upgrade to Giannis, that's certainly a risk. Especially if he falls into the hands of the team that has inarguably gotten under their skin more than anyone else.
We mustn't forget how annoying the Heat have been to the Celtics
Over the course of 2020 to 2023, Miami has always been Boston's kryptonite, no matter the talent difference. Even when the Celtics beat them, it still felt like everyone had to hold their breath until the buzzer sounded.
That didn't just come from how talented the team was, but how well-coached they were. They knew how to make Boston squirm. The reason why they're not there now is because they don't have that foundational player that raises their ceiling since trading Jimmy Butler.
If they get their hands on the Greek Freak, they not only replace Butler, but they get an upgrade. If they do, this problem the Celtics have had trouble overcoming not only comes back, but it gets worse. No, it doesn't matter who the Heat trade because a. players want to come play with Giannis and b. Erik Spoelstra can make magic happen.
If Boston ultimately does get Giannis in the end, it actually may not primarily because they wanted to build the best title team they could, but they just wanted to make sure he didn't want to wear a Miami uniform.
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