The Boston Celtics are widely expected to be a top contender for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, with several reports indicating they are the frontrunners to land the two-time NBA MVP. However, acquiring Antetokounmpo would likely require the Celtics to part ways with 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

Potential Trade Scenarios

According to Yahoo Sports’ NBA insider Kevin O’Connor, the Celtics would need to find a third team to take on Brown’s contract in order to make a deal work. The Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Clippers have been mentioned as potential partners in a three-team deal. The Miami Heat have also been reportedly interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo.

O’Connor noted that the Bucks are looking for a haul of picks and multiple pieces in return for Antetokounmpo, rather than just Brown. He also expressed doubt that Brown would be interested in playing for the Bucks, given their current rebuild status.

The Celtics’ roster may undergo significant changes in the coming weeks, regardless of whether they land Antetokounmpo. O’Connor believes that president of basketball operations Brad Stevens may have a Plan B or Plan C in place to trade Brown to another team if the Antetokounmpo deal falls through.

Antetokounmpo and Brown are set to make $57 million and $58 million next season, respectively. The new collective bargaining agreement makes it difficult for teams to sustain success with multiple expensive superstars, which could impact the Celtics’ ability to build a competitive roster around Antetokounmpo.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.