All eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo as trade season kicks into gear. The Milwaukee Bucks are struggling to contend, Antetokounmpo is a year north of 30, and countless teams are pondering if they can convince the two-time MVP to join them. It's fair to expect the Boston Celtics to be among the group.
In the event that the Celtics decide to truly embrace the idea of Antetokounmpo becoming their next franchise cornerstone, few teams would be able to match their offer.
The general expectation is that Milwaukee would work with Antetokounmpo on finding a mutually beneficial trade if a split comes to pass. He's certainly earned such an outcome, as he's in his 13th season with the Bucks, delivered a championship, and has remained loyal through trying times.
With a potential joint effort to find a new home for the former Defensive Player of the Year, the Celtics' ability to offer an instant path to contending could become a factor.
Boston's appeal in a potential trade is multifaceted, however, as they can also offer Milwaukee a chance to improve its outlook. The Celtics have draft assets, young players, and attractive contracts that could become bargaining chips that work in their favor.
With the ability to appeal to Antetokounmpo and the Bucks alike, the Celtics have the potential to turn the most high-profile trade pursuit of the season on its head.
Celtics can appeal to Giannis, Bucks in equal measure in trade talks
Boston's sell to Antetokounmpo is admittedly complicated by the fact that they've spent the better part of his career as rivals. As such, it's possible that he'd prefer not to join a team that he's played three playoff series against during his illustrious career.
If Antetokounmpo is open to playing for the Celtics, however, he would have an immediate championship window as his athletic prime nears the traditional definition of its conclusion.
Antetokounmpo and Brown would give Boston two players who are currently performing at an All-NBA First Team level. That alone is intriguing, as they could combine to help a team that's already 19-12 make a significant leap forward in an Eastern Conference that lacks a true dominant force.
It's unclear who else would remain on the roster after a trade for Antetokounmpo, but it's fair to believe Jayson Tatum would still be in the mix.
With a trio of Antetokounmpo, Brown, and Tatum, the Celtics would have the potential to contend for years to come. Antetokounmpo could either slot in at center or continue to operate at the 4, with either outcome permitting elite frontcourt execution.
The outgoing cost would inevitably be steep, but the Celtics would have a chance to move forward with an elite big three in place.
Celtics can offer Bucks a chance to reload and rebuild in one fell swoop
The primary reason Boston is such a threat for Antetokounmpo is that it can offer a fresh start to Milwaukee. Its proposal could include a combination of unprotected first-round draft picks and pick swaps, as well as high-level talent and cap relief with untapped potential sprinkled in for good measure.
Celtics fans may not like the list of potential departures, but the opportunity exists nevertheless to pique the Bucks' interest and complete a deal.
The unfortunate truth is that Milwaukee would likely want fan favorite Payton Pritchard in any potential deal. Pritchard is a productive 27-year-old guard with a team-friendly salary and the skill set to take on a featured role in the Bucks' new-look rotation.
With a combination of Pritchard and Anfernee Simons' expiring contract, Boston could provide Milwaukee with cap relief and talent that ideally complements the draft assets.
The unfortunate hurdle is that Derrick White would likely need to be included in any potential offer for financial purposes. There are workarounds, of course, but Boston's best offer is predicated on being able to provide a combination of long-term assets and short-term value. Whether Milwaukee turns that into an attempt to compete or another trade entirely would be left to them.
The cost is admittedly intimidating, but the Celtics would have the resources to make a trade offer that other teams would struggle to compete with.