The Boston Celtics were in the running for the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo up until the Miami Heat made an offer that Milwaukee couldn’t refuse. This isn’t too much of a surprise because the Heat have been the favorites to land him in a trade since the Bucks made him available. Miami’s lead status lasted until Boston swooped in and offered their Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown, for the star big man. The Celtics deal ultimately fell through, but why did that happen, and what does it mean for Boston?
With this trade not going through for the Celtics and the Heat improving substantially on paper, Boston will most likely make moves soon. With all of these rumors of Brown being traded for Antetokounmpo, how does Brown feel about this whole situation? He has been in trade rumors like this before, but this time it seemed like the closest chance he would actually be dealt. Brown has said this past season was his favorite, which could have hinted that he enjoyed being the first option while Jayson Tatum was out with an injury. It isn’t certain if this is what he meant by the statement, but we could find out soon enough.
Brown could feel some type of way about all of these rumors that the Celtics were actively shopping him for Antetokounmpo, and end up requesting a trade because of it. At the moment, it looks like Boston will continue to build around Brown and Tatum this offseason, and a solid center is exactly what this team needs if they want to be contenders again. Derrick White has had his name swirl in rumors since the Celtics season ended to the 76ers, especially with the way White played in that series. The front office could send White and some other assets to bring in another star player alongside the Jays.
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Boston might not have gotten the guy they set out to get, but this could be a blessing in disguise for them. Who knows how Antetokounmpo would have fit on this Celtics team? Why would they take a chance at a deal when they know the pairing of Tatum and Brown works, as they’ve won a championship together? Boston will most certainly have to go out, whether it’s in free agency or through the trade market, and upgrade the team this offseason. Can Brad Stevens pull off some more magic to strengthen the core of Tatum and Brown?
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