Why Giannis may not want the Celtics, as he reportedly focuses on the Heat

In a recent appearance on "Get Up" on ESPN, NBA insider Brian Windhorst voiced his belief that Giannis Antetokounmpo's preference is to join the Miami Heat.

"The team to watch here is Miami. Miami would say, 'We got Tyler Herro, who is a young player and [has] been an All-Star. We got draft picks, including the 13th pick in this draft," said Windhorst. "And Giannis, I think, wants to be in Miami. There's more check marks on Miami."

As previously explored, if the Boston Celtics aren't willing to part with Jaylen Brown, the Milwaukee Bucks most likely would prefer an offer from the Heat that could include Herro, draft capital, Kel'el Ware, and perhaps Jaime Jaquez Jr.

The state of Miami's roster after that trade doesn't seem good enough to lead the franchise to the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Pulling off a deal to pair Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo is one matter, but from there, Pat Riley would need to figure out how to fortify the roster around them.

It does seem like the board is tilting toward the Heat being able to accomplish part one of that process without sacrificing as many draft picks as previously anticipated. And the forecast around the Association is that NBA Draft lottery reform will have teams reluctant to part with first-round selections. That approach, combined with Miami entering a win-now mode if Antetokounmpo comes, could make the Heat's future draft capital the key to bolstering their supporting cast around him and Adebayo.

Then, there's the other half of what Windhorst conveyed.

Why Giannis might not want to join the Celtics

He has praised the organization, the head coach, and, most recently, the fan base. In Boston, he could team with Jayson Tatum and a roster that's better than what awaits him in Miami.

That raises eyebrows when hearing Windhorst tell Bobby Manning of CLNS Media, "I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis's list. I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign the extension with Boston."

As Windhorst cautioned, just because he hasn't heard that, it doesn't mean it's not the case. However, if it is, this author's interpretation is that it's a reaction to rejection.

Count ESPN's NBA insider, one of the most respected voices covering the league, among those who do not believe that the Celtics are looking to trade Brown.

"I have not heard any material, true discussions," stated Windhorst about that subject. "I'm certain maybe someone has called on Jaylen Brown, but I have not heard one iota of Jaylen Brown truly being available."

Boston must figure out how to elevate from its current standing to a team capable of returning to the NBA summit. However, the organization is operating from a position of stability. Exchanging that for the volatility that comes with acquiring Antetokounmpo, who will require a lucrative extension, is a gamble the franchise doesn't need to make.

With Brown, a former Finals MVP, the Celtics have proof of concept. Change is required, but they know what their franchise cornerstones are still capable of accomplishing.

Perhaps they could trade Derrick White for a return that strengthens their proposal to the Bucks. However, landing Antetokounmpo without parting with Brown to build a trio that's as formidable as it is expensive seems more like an armchair GM's vision than what will unfold this summer.

And if these are the signals Antetokounmpo is receiving from the Celtics, then it makes sense for him to make it known that he isn't interested in them either.

The messaging from one side has been consistent. The other appears to have changed. It's the latest sign that one should not expect Antetokounmpo to end up in Boston. Instead, taking his talents to South Beach is the most likely outcome.

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