As rumors continue to swirl regarding a potential pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, a prominent Boston Celtics insider has cast doubt on the likelihood of a blockbuster deal coming together.
Speaking on NBC Sports Boston, Boston Globe reporter Gary Washburn said he does not believe Antetokounmpo will ultimately end up in Boston despite ongoing speculation linking the former two-time MVP to the Celtics.
“I don’t think he’s going to be a Celtic,” Washburn said.
“The Celtics are gauging what it would take to get Giannis to Boston and trying to figure out whether they want to move Jaylen Brown. And if there’s rumors that Jaylen has been moved and hears that all summer, what kind of mentality will he have coming into next season which is critical for this franchise.”
Washburn suggested Boston is doing its due diligence rather than aggressively pursuing a deal. He also questioned whether the Celtics could realistically acquire Antetokounmpo without parting with Brown, a five-time All-Star and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
“I do think Miami has the edge on this, but I do think Boston is kind of sniffing around and finding out,” Washburn said.
“Could you acquire Giannis without sacrificing Jaylen? That would be a big question. What is Milwaukee looking for? Who’s the third team involved? Because there’s going to have to be a third team involved.”
Heat remain favorites as Bsoton face challenges in Giannis Antetokounmpo talks
Washburn’s comments come amid growing speculation connecting Antetokounmpo to Boston, even as other league insiders have cautioned that a deal remains far from certain.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Monday on NBA Today that both the Miami Heat and Celtics remain among the teams to watch should Antetokounmpo become available.
“Obviously Miami and the Bucks have been in talks on and off for months about this,” Windhorst said. “They haven’t been able to consummate a deal. Giannis has expressed an interest in extending his contract in Miami, which is why Miami has been so interested in doing it. But Boston is also out there because Giannis from what I am told is willing to extend his contract in Boston.”
Brian Windhorst:
"Boston is also out there because Giannis from what I am told is willing to extend his contract in Boston. I think the Celtics are gonna be very, very cautious with making any firm offer and I would be very careful before saying anything has truly been offered" pic.twitter.com/KpPMaH2tia
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 15, 2026
Windhorst also urged caution regarding assumptions that Boston has made a serious offer.
“I think the Celtics are gonna be very, very cautious with making any firm offer and I would be very careful before saying anything has truly been offered,” Windhorst said.
Windhorst identifies key stumbling blocks in potential Celtics-Giannis trade
Windhorst expanded on that stance Tuesday in a report for ESPN, detailing several obstacles that could complicate a potential deal between the Celtics and Bucks.
“The Boston Celtics are also on Antetokounmpo’s list. He’d be willing to extend his contract if he were traded there too, league sources say,” Windhorst wrote.
According to Windhorst, Boston is uncomfortable with the level of player and agent involvement that has accompanied the Antetokounmpo trade process. He also identified two additional stumbling blocks: the possibility of breaking up the Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum partnership and the significant adjustments the Celtics would need to make to their style of play.
Windhorst further noted that any Antetokounmpo trade could require a third or even fourth team to help Milwaukee maximize its return, adding another layer of complexity to negotiations.
Meanwhile, Miami continues to be viewed by many around the league as the frontrunner in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Washburn specifically pointed to the Heat as having the edge, while Windhorst’s reporting indicated Miami and Milwaukee have discussed potential frameworks for months.
For now, Antetokounmpo remains with the Bucks. Yet despite reported intrigue between the superstar and Boston, the growing list of obstacles has led some insiders to question whether the Celtics can realistically complete a deal.
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