It is in the Milwaukee Bucks' best interest to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Draft. That's why some believe this saga could end this weekend. With the franchise carrying itself as if it will have multiple lottery picks, the pragmatic approach is to find a resolution now. Then it becomes that much easier to prepare for a draft that could lay the foundation for their post-Antetokounmpo era.
What's also clear is that the Miami Heat's offer is very beatable. The two-time league MVP might end up in South Beach, but if a mystery team swoops in or the Boston Celtics are willing to trade Jaylen Brown, then that forecast changes.
Regarding the latter possibility, Paul Pierce recently weighed in on whether the franchise he once starred for should break up its current cornerstones to acquire Antetokounmpo.
Paul Pierce says the Celtics shouldn’t trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 17, 2026
“I’m not in on this one. I mean, you were the number two, two years in a row with what you have. You keep Jaylen, you keep Jayson and you build on that. Like, don’t take that for granted. That’s a winning… pic.twitter.com/Vznb7LcMlb
"I'm not in on this one," declared Pierce on the No Fouls Given Show. "I mean, you were the number two, two years in a row with what you have. You keep Jaylen, you keep Jayson, and you build on that. Like, don't take that for granted. That's a winning combination. I don't care what people say. It's a winning combination."
Evaluating Paul Pierce's view on the Celtics trading for Giannis
The Basketball Hall of Famer's stance should come as no surprise. He is close with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He has watched them grow throughout their time together in Boston. He has spent summers training with them and doesn't go a season without trips to TD Garden. And, as he did in 2008, he has witnessed the two lead the organization to the NBA mountaintop. Of course, he doesn't want Brad Stevens to break them up.
That doesn't mean his argument is wrong. The Celtics have proof of concept with Tatum and Brown. And last season, a year in which the former played just 22 games after tearing his Achilles in the 2025 playoffs, doesn't seem like the sample to determine that it's time to separate these two.
Championship windows are shorter than ever in today's NBA. And acquiring Antetokounmpo would boost Boston's title odds. However, the volatility associated with it might make this a risk better off avoiding. He turns 32 in December, has logged over 29,000 career minutes, and the concerns about his durability could quickly make this a disaster.
What the Celtics will do if they remain loyal to Tatum and Brown is unclear. However, the alternative involves sacrificing stability. Again, it's not a surprise that Pierce is against such a move. That doesn't mean he's not spot on in wanting to stick with this duo. Boston building around Tatum, two seasons removed from an Achilles injury, and Antetokounmpo, with the risks he carries on the health front, is a significant gamble.
Pierce has made his perspective clear. We'll soon know whether Brad Stevens still wants to roll the dice.
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