The Boston Celtics have come up as a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo suitor this summer. However, it would surprise absolutely no one ever if there's some competition for his services. Anteotkounmpo still is one of the NBA's best players, so of course his market is going to be strong this summer.
ESPN's Shams Charania revealed the Celtics were among the four teams that are interested in Antetokounmpo, with the other three being the Lakers, Timberwolves, and Heat.
3. Lakers
There's already a pretty thorough explanation of why the Lakers' offer pales in comparison to what the Celtics can offer. Without repeating ourselves, let's just say this. The Lakers should be in the mix simply because they pulled a rabbit out of a hat with the Luka Doncic trade, so for them, quite literally anything is possible.
But unless the Bucks hire Nico Harrison to be their GM, they aren't getting Antetokounmpo. At least, most likely.
2. Heat
South Beach has always managed to get their hands on a big fish, but the last time they got one via trade was 22 years ago when they got their hands on Shaq. Even so, Pat Riley has a long history of making some magic in the front office.
For that reason, Boston shouldn't take Miami lightly, especially since they have been the team that's been the thorn in the Celtics' side for multiple postseasons. Add in one of the league's best players, and suddenyl teh rivalry gets renewed again.
It's hard to think of how the Heat could remotely appease the Bucks with a Giannis trade. They're not trading Bam Adebayo, so the best player they can dangle is... Tyler Herro?
Regardless, they've been on the prowl for a Jimmy Butler replacment, and Antetokounmpo fills that void and then some. They'll likely be willing to offer just about anything and everything to get their hands on him. They don't have the Lakers' degree of luck, but they're not too far off from it either, but it has been years since they last got a franchise player in an offseason.
1. Timberwolves
In a way, this is subverting expectations because, obviously, Minnesota isn't nearly the same market Miami and Los Angeles is. However, they are in the same boat as the Celtics that they can offer a valuable player like a Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert in a Giannis deal (the latter of whom could be rerouted) in a blockbuster deal.
The Timberwolves have been a team that has been quite close to the level of a title contender but have never quite gotten there. Antetokounmpo would push them up higher depending on who they would send in a trade.
In all honesty, none of these teams compete with the Celtics that much when someone like Jaylen Brown could be on the table, but that could be precisely why Boston may be hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal.
By extension, don't be surprised if more suitors emerge in the coming weeks.
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