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Shams' Giannis update can only mean 2 things for Jaylen Brown and the Bucks

If the Bucks make an honest run at building around Jaylen Brown, then passing on the Heat's offer for the Celtics' will probably turn out to be a mistake.
Oct 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics are reportedly "all-in" on their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. From Brian Windhorst to Shams Charania and Marc Stein, since the early hours of Monday morning, some of the top NBA insiders have conveyed that Boston's offering Jaylen Brown to get the deal done.

That confirms speculation that has persisted, with the Celtics remaining in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. The two-time league MVP has only signaled a willingness to sign a contract extension with Boston and the Miami Heat. Thus, it's unlikely that a mystery team will emerge with the highest bid. Six months after he's traded, the 10-time All-Star can sign a four-year, $275 million extension. Alternatively, he can opt out of his deal next offseason.

As the Bucks weigh their offers from the Celtics and the Heat, there's a strong case that the better package for them is from South Beach. Brown is the best player or asset on the table. However, there are reportedly more picks and younger players involved in a deal with Miami.

If Milwaukee's roster were good enough to support a star who turns 30 in October, then the face of its franchise wouldn't want to leave. So, when it comes to the idea that if Antetokounmpo is going to Boston, Brown is staying in Brewtown, there are only two possibilities.

Why would the Bucks keep Jaylen Brown?

The team's co-owner, Jimmy Haslam, also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Before trading star pass rusher Myles Garrett, their executive vice president of football operations and general manager, Andrew Berry, reached out to Sam Presti.

The advice he got from the Oklahoma City Thunder's architect centered on the importance of acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when they sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"Most folks on the outside focused on the four first-round picks and two additional first-round pick swaps Presti landed in the deal," shared Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "But the reality was that OKC viewed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a player they were higher on than most, as the key."

Acting on that guidance, the Browns received three draft picks and 25-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse in the trade that sent Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams.

It would not be a surprise if the Bucks also act on that advice. The difference is that Brown isn't a burgeoning young player. He's an established star who has spent a decade in the Association.

Haslam, the team's general manager, Jon Horst, and Co. could point to him as the face of their franchise as they usher in a new era. However, even with more coming from Boston, the combination of Brown and the No. 10 pick in this year's NBA Draft is an unorthodox tandem to build around.

It would make more sense to flip the five-time All-Star at a later date. Maybe they would acquire a second prospect selected in the top 10 on Tuesday. For example, the Cleveland Cavaliers took Andrew Wiggins first overall in 2014. With LeBron James returning home that offseason, they later traded Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love.

What's clear is that time would only be on their side to a certain extent. They'd still be looking to flip someone whose value will never be higher than it is now.

Brown finished sixth in the MVP voting and earned his second career All-NBA Second Team selection. Even if he's on that type of trajectory or continues his tradition of returning a better player than in the previous campaign, given his age, his value won't go up. What could change is that an injury elsewhere compels a team to offer what's necessary to pry him from the Bucks. But they're also taking on that risk with their new star wing.

So, perhaps the reports about their intention to keep the Marietta, Georgia, native if they agree to a trade with the Celtics is them negotiating in public. That's a scenario that makes sense. Flipping Brown down the road requires more work -- and it is best to do so with some urgency -- but it could net Milwaukee the best return for Antetokounmpo.

However, given how little the franchise has to work with at the moment, if the Bucks make an honest run at building around Brown, then passing on the Heat's offer for the Celtics' will probably turn out to be a mistake.

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