The Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors will only intensify between now and the draft next month. The Boston Celtics have been named among his suitors and for good reason, as Antetokounmpo is still in his prime even if he hasn't been at his healthiest. It's also likely that a deal would require parting ways with Jaylen Brown
Heavy Sports' Sean Deveney speculated that an Antetokounmpo-to-Boston deal has legs while adding what it may take to get it done. He finished his speculation by adding that it's still possible Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee.
"The smoke continues to build around the possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo landing in Boston. It’s not certain Brown would land in Milwaukee, or if he would be sent to a third team for younger assets. It’s still only smoke, and believe it or not, there is still a possibility he winds up returning to the Bucks," Deveney wrote.
Brown has been brought up before as the main trade asset to dangle in a Giannis trade, and for good reason. At the same time, Milwaukee would only trade Giannis because they want to rebuild, and Brown would not help in that regard.
That's why it would make sense for a third team to get involved. Preferably a third team with the young players and/or draft assets to entice Milwaukee.
But who could that third team be?
The consensus has been the Atlanta Hawks, who have the No. 8 pick and Bucks draft assets in their arsenal. Not to mention, they have young players with some promise that could certainly catch Milwaukee's eye. They could definitely use all of those to acquire Brown, a hometown kid who would definitely give them the boost.
They are the most likely culprit *if* a deal is on the table. However, other teams may be willing to pay a good price for Brown. The Los Angeles Clippers want to keep themselves relevant. Well, they suddenly have the No. 5 pick and may be willing to dangle that to get their hands on Brown in a Giannis blockbuster trade.
While some may ask why teams wouldn't go for Antetokounmpo instead of Brown, the answer is that Brown has three years left on his contract. The former two-time MVP potentially only has one, so teams may not want to invest much in a flight risk.
The other difference is that as fantastic as Antetokounmpo still is, other suitors don't have players of the same caliber as Jayson Tatum. For that reason, Boston may be willing to take that risk because of the damage those two could do together.
But, for now, these are all whispers. Nothing will be concrete until we see it on the fine print. Antetokounmpo going to Boston sounds exciting, but there is some risk. But it takes risks to win titles, so let's sit back and see what Brad Stevens and the front office have cooking!
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