The prospect of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Boston Celtics has been much discussed. Much of that is because there has been intel linking the two sides. However, the latest from the rumor mill via Jake Fischer insists that, though a Giannis trade is coming, he doesn't anticipate Giannis will be a Celtic. If that's true, then what's the next move?
Fischer revealed his belief that an Antetokounmpo trade is coming during his latest live stream for Bleacher Report. However, he believes the Celtics are not a serious suitor for the two-time MVP at the moment, though he also added that it could change.
The Boston Celtics are NOT a serious Giannis Antetokounmpo suitor as of now, per @JakeLFischer
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 12, 2026
(h/t @NBA__Courtside) pic.twitter.com/i1KhVR0YQt
For the record, Brad Stevens does not show his hand when it comes to trade negotiations. The Celtics' front office is notoriously tight-lipped. Not to doubt Fischer's intel, but it goes without saying that wherever he got this from, it likely didn't come from a Celtics source.
But say they don't get in on the Giannis sweepstakes. If that's true, then what is their next move? At times like these, they can't take what happened to them lying down. Some changes need to happen after two pretty embarrassing playoff defeats.
That's why trading for Antetokounmpo would sound drastic, but would also be the best possible player they could trade for at this juncture.
Celtics can still get an upgrade & build around the edges
If they miss out on Antetokounmpo, the Celtics could still make trades for an upgrade, although it should be made clear: Jaylen Brown is off the table unless an upgrade is available. Antetokounmpo fit that label, but not anymore. Even so, there are still stars Boston could trade for without the inclusion.
They also have the Anfernee Simons TPE, which may not fetch much directly but could help orchestrate a sign-and-trade for an upgrade over who they have now, like upgrading from Sam Hauser.
They also have the non-taxpayers mid-level exception to throw at free agents, though they would have to tread carefully because they can't use that and utilize the Ant TPE in full. As long as they play their cards right, they can acquire another star, sign a quality free agent, and utilize the Ant TPE to upgrade their core without compromising the Jays.
If there's a GM who will embrace the chaos, it's Stevens. He is a go-getter who will do whatever it takes to set the Celtics up for the most success possible. Maybe Antetokounmpo isn't in the plans, but that doesn't mean Boston won't come away this offseason empty-handed.
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