For the Boston Celtics to emerge as the winner of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, it will probably cost them Jaylen Brown. Otherwise, the Miami Heat sending the No. 13 pick in this year's NBA Draft to the Milwaukee Bucks figures to tip the scales in their favor.
The franchise that calls Brewtown home is reportedly carrying itself as if it will have multiple lottery selections next Tuesday. It's better for the Bucks, who already have the No. 10 pick, to acquire that second choice in the top 14 than it is to drag this on past the draft. They'll want to give themselves time to prepare so they properly lay the foundation for the post-Antetokounmpo era. They would also have the option to package those picks to move up, instead of a scenario like later accepting whoever Miami takes at No. 13.
The Celtics may only be angling to see if they can acquire the two-time league MVP without giving up Brown. Otherwise, the durability concerns surrounding a star who turns 32 in December might dissuade them from breaking up the cornerstones that led them to a championship.
Not to mention, six months after trading for Antetokounmpo, he would become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension. If disaster strikes early in his tenure in Boston, that deal could age like milk.
However, if that's not the case, and the era of Jayson Tatum and Brown anchoring the Celtics is about to end, here are several scenarios that could get the job done.
Examining 3-team trades that brings Giannis to the Celtics
Milwaukee's roster isn't built to support a star who turns 30 in October. It also doesn't seem like Brown wants to go there. Hence, focusing on 3-team constructs.
Secondly, while it could be a smokescreen, one version of this already appears off the table.
The Los Angeles Clippers could trade the fifth overall pick to the Bucks, making it the centerpiece of a package to land the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. After all, they acquired a 26-year-old former All-Star guard in Darius Garland when they sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. Most of the top-10 prospects this year are guards.
And if Kawhi Leonard is staying put, then pairing him with Brown gives them a chance to maximize the rest of his tenure there. Of course, so does cutting Boston out of this deal and acquiring Antetokounmpo. Regardless, it appears like the Clippers won't be going that route.
So, if the Celtics need to find a different partner, perhaps they will turn to the Atlanta Hawks. Here's what a trade that sends Brown to his hometown team could look like.
Boston Celtics receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks would also love to unload at least one of Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis's contracts. If one of them is going to Boston, this author guesses that it would be the latter.
Atlanta Hawks receive:
Jaylen Brown
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
2026, Round 1: Pick No. 8
Jonathan Kuminga, via a sign-and-trade
Dyson Daniels
Buddy Hield
Maybe Daniels or Kuminga isn't in the deal. Atlanta could still send out enough salary to absorb Brown's contract. Along with a five-time All-Star joining the fold, the Hawks have the No. 23 pick in this year's draft, meaning this trade doesn't prevent them from bringing a quality prospect to the Peach State.
The Celtics may have to part with more than Brown to get this across the finish line, and that might include first-round draft capital. However, whether one wants to tweak this framework or is vehemently opposed to it, there is a case for why all sides involved would sign off on those or something close to it.
Another franchise that might be willing to trade its lottery pick to acquire Brown is the Golden State Warriors. Here's a potential version of that construct.
Golden State Warriors receive:
Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
To reiterate, a teammate of his, like Portis, could be coming with him.
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
2026, Round 1: Pick No. 11
Jimmy Butler
A combination of promising young players
The latter could come from the Celtics and the Warriors. In this scenario, at least two of Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Brandin Podziemski, and Quinten Post, via a sign-and-trade, would figure to make their way to Milwaukee. It might also take additional draft capital.
As for Butler, his expiring $56.8 million contract would be an important part of making the math work in this deal.
And while Boston would rather see its two-time All-NBA Second Team selection playing in the Western Conference than for another club in the East, if the Celtics want Antetokounmpo badly enough, then perhaps old friend Charles Lee would capitalize on the opportunity that presents.
Charlotte Hornets receive
Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Again, a teammate of his, presumably, Portis, Kuzma, or Turner, might also be Boston-bound in this scenario.
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
2026, Round 1: Pick No. 14
Baylor Scheierman
Jordan Walsh
Miles Bridges
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
There could be more draft capital involved or a different combination of youthful talent going to Milwaukee. Charlotte could also find other ways to ship the necessary salary to acquire Brown.
However, if the Hornets want to make an aggressive move this offseason, this is a chance to vault themselves up the Eastern Conference standings. Lee was in Boston when the Celtics' star wing earned Finals MVP. He's a culture fit, would make them better on defense, and he could lead the promising young core in the Queen City.
Lastly, one can't rule out the Brooklyn Nets or the Sacramento Kings getting involved in this to make a move for Brown. Respectively, they have the No. 6 and 7 selections in this year's draft. However, depending on the dominoes that fall afterward, that seems reckless, considering the state of those two teams.
If an organization with a top-10 pick that wasn't previously mentioned enters the equation, it would probably make more sense if it were the Dallas Mavericks. After all, they intend to keep Kyrie Irving. With the star guard returning from a torn ACL that cost him the 2025-26 campaign, maybe the chance to have Irving and Brown flanking reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg would compel them to act. However, the better option is likely adding another young potential franchise cornerstone in this year's draft.
Another team to keep an eye on if Antetokounmpo joins the Celtics and Brown is playing elsewhere next season is the Portland Trail Blazers. They don't have a 2026 first-round selection, but they own several of the Bucks' future Round 1 picks.
However, if Milwaukee's focus is on taking two cracks at this year's lottery or having the option to move up from 10th overall, the scenarios presented could be how Boston outbids Miami to usher in a new era of Celtics' basketball.
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