According to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, there are rumblings in the Association of the Los Angeles Clippers getting involved in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
However, rather than bringing the two-time NBA MVP to Tinseltown, Afseth reports that they would help facilitate a deal that nets them Jaylen Brown and sends Antetokounmpo to the Boston Celtics.
"A potential multi-team trade framework making the rounds in league circles would bring Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Boston Celtics and send Jaylen Brown to the Los Angeles Clippers, with the Clippers' No. 5 overall pick going to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the return, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal," conveys Afseth.
What to make of this potential proposal
One of the first thoughts that comes to mind is whether the Clippers would cut the Celtics out of this deal. Los Angeles doesn't have much value elsewhere to complement the No. 5 pick in this year's draft, but that's conceivably a strong enough asset to acquire Antetokounmpo.
And while the 10-time All-Star wants to remain in the East, joining forces with Kawhi Leonard in LA could carry enough appeal to change his mind. The Bucks' -- for now -- star forward can opt out of his contract next offseason. He is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension on Oct. 1.Â
After trading James Harden for a 26-year-old former All-Star point guard in Darius Garland, it's understandable if the Clippers prefer to utilize this year's fifth overall selection to land a player like Brown or Antetokounmpo. For one, there's the star power of those two. And, when assessing the top-10 prospects, after the top four, the guard position dominates the remaining spots on the big board.
That combination makes the idea of Los Angeles parting with their prized pick a believable rumor. The Clippers also have nearly $39 million in cap space. They could strike a deal for either of these former Finals MVPs.
If they want Brown, it's probably for the same reasons that Boston needs to be leery about in a potential pursuit of Antetokounmpo. The latter turns 32 in December, and there are significant concerns about his durability and injury history. The Celtics breaking up their franchise cornerstones to make this happen would be a massive gamble. Not only could it quickly backfire, but Antetokounmpo's extension could make it even worse.
That's up for Brad Stevens and Co. to decide whether they're up for this wager. It could represent Boston's best path to a championship. And this potential three-team construct could be the vehicle that lands Antetokounmpo with the Celtics.
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