If the Boston Celtics win the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, it would be because Jaylen Brown would be sent out in the deal, but the Bucks have no use for Brown. They would want assets to help them start over. Hence, a third team would be involved, and the team that would make sense, should it come to that, is the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings have developed a reputation for being perhaps the NBA's most rudderless teams, but hey, in their defense, so were the New York Knicks for a long time, and look where they are now. They're only coming off a bad season because of injuries, but with their reputation, would they really pass on the chance to get Brown?
They have a pretty enticing offer to Milwaukee, as they would have a package that would give them the chance to start. The seventh overall pick in an impressive draft class, a few additional draft assets, and Zach LaVine's massive expiring contract.
Boston may not be too thrilled with the idea of sending Brown to the team that has continuously shown that they don't know what they're doing because it would seem mean-spirited, but if Sacramento is willing to pay to get him, it will be hard to say no.
Plus, Brown has gone on the record saying how much he enjoyed being the guy running the show. He passed the test with flying colors even if the Celtics didn't go that far in the end. If he joined the Kings, he'd continue to be the No. 1 and Sacramento would get their best player in quite some time.
This trade could benefit Boston in more ways than one
The Celtics, Bucks, and Kings could agree to a swap that sends Giannis to Boston, Brown to the Sacramento, and LaVine plus assets to Milwaukee. The Kings are under the first tax apron, but just barely. A deal like this would be contingent on ensuring they stay under the first tax apron, which could be resolved if they waive DeMar DeRozan's partially guaranteed contract.
Believe it or not, this isn't about DeRozan, though the Celtics could go after him if they want another scorer. However, something else to consider here is that Milwaukee has no use for LaVine other than giving them cap flexibility. If they waive him, he suddenly becomes an interesting mid-level exception target for the Celtics.
LaVine has never been given an ample shot to show his stuff for a playoff contender. If he were to join a Boston team featuring Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White, suddenly he's on the most talented team he's ever played for by a mile.
That's why a deal like this has so much appeal. The chance to get the Greek Freak along with a chance to get another player capable of scoring 20 or more on any given night. If all that costs is Jaylen Brown, it's hard to see why Boston would pass.
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