There continue to be whispers that Giannis Antetokounmpo would prefer to be traded to the Boston Celtics, but, true to form, we don't know if the feeling is mutual on their end. There's only one way to know for sure if it is, and if they decide to go for the two-time MVP, another move might be just what the doctor ordered: bringing in Khris Middleton.
5 Reasons Sports' Ethan J Skolnick brought up this idea (for Miami) when talking about what they should do if a Giannis trade happens on "Five on the Floor."
"I’ll just say this. I think there’s a lot of guys who will slip to the minimum. I think one guy, for instance, I think you can just guarantee Khris Middleton is going to be here," Skolnick said.
It would make sense for the Heat after a Giannis trade just as much as it would for the Celtics. Middleton is not what he was, but even with all the treadmarks on his tires, he can still play. He can't be the No. 2 like he once could when he and Antetokounmpo won a title together, but he can be a vital piece for a title team as more of a role player.
Plus, with his reputation as a Celtics killer, it'd at least be nice to have one less worry on their hands, like potentially facing him in the playoffs again. Boston could also see to it that he gets more than a veteran's minimum.
Because he has his bird rights, the Celtics could acquire via sign-and-trade or sign him partially or entirely to the non-taxpayer's MLE.
Adding Middleton could keep Giannis happy in Boston
Middleton and Antetokounmpo were close friends in Milwaukee. They both became Bucks in the same year, 2013, and played together for over 10 years. Reuniting them as teammates could actually make Giannis feel better about staying in Boston (even though he already has a pretty strong fondness for them).
Good vibes are something every title contender needs to reach their potential. So, not only would Antetokounmpo potentially be allied with a friend, but also with someone with whom he has continuity on the court.
Boston doesn't not desperately need a wing at the moment, so without Antetokounmpo, there isn't much incentive to bring in Middleton, but if they believe the Greek Freak is their guy and want to keep things afloat, reuniting him with the Celtics killer would be a common sense decision.
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