The star signing that would bring the Celtics back to the top of the NBA
The Massachusetts franchise emerges again as a candidate to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo and threatens Miami Heat's plans
The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to generate all kinds of speculations, and just when it seemed that the Miami Heat was the main destination for a possible exit from Milwaukee, a new candidate has regained strength. Boston Celtics has reappeared in conversations regarding a hypothetical trade of the Greek star, according to information shared by Bill Simmons on his podcast.
In recent weeks, Miami's name had been most linked to the two-time MVP, but the latest information suggests that the Massachusetts franchise may have regained interest in an operation that would completely change the landscape of the Eastern Conference.
The journalist explained that he had recently considered Boston completely out of the race for Antetokounmpo, convinced that the management preferred to keep the core formed by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White intact.
However, the information he has recently received has led him to change that perspective.
"I thought Boston was no longer involved," Simmons stated. "I know Boston was no longer involved. And I wondered if they were pretending or not. I think they are, but I think they are interested in Giannis."
The analyst emphasized that he cannot certainty explain the change of scenario, although he left several possibilities open.
"I don't retract what I said before. I really don't know the reasons. Maybe they thought Miami's offer could be improved? Maybe they want to drive up the price of Miami's offer and are not really interested?", he commented.
Giannis would have two preferred destinations
According to Simmons, the player's preferences would clearly lean towards two franchises in the Eastern Conference.
"But as I have repeatedly said, Giannis is pushing for Miami and Boston; those are the two options", he explained.
Furthermore, the journalist went a step further by indicating what would be the player's priority.
"And he really wants to end up in Boston because he would have the best chance to win a title. And I think Boston doesn't rule out the idea. That's the information I have," he affirmed.
These statements position the Celtics as a direct competitor to the Heat in a hypothetical bidding war for one of the NBA's most impactful players.
A potential change of strategy in Boston
Bill Simmons also linked this scenario to the internal reflection that, according to him, occurred within the organization after the elimination against Philadelphia.
The journalist recalled the words of the operations president, Brad Stevens, hinting that the franchise might be considering a profound transformation of its roster.
"And overall, I am prepared for anything with Boston now. I think you could say that... it all goes back to Brad Stevens' speech right after the series against Philadelphia, when he was very upset about the result and questioned if that was the right style and if they needed to press more in the paint," he pointed out.
Moreover, he added: "I wonder if they will seize this opportunity, with the resources they have and the $27 million trade exception, to completely transform the look of this team."
Simmons concluded his reflection leaving any possibility open.
"Who knows? Maybe they won't do anything. I thought they would stay out of the Giannis matter, but I don't believe that anymore. That's all I'm going to say."
| Situation of the possible trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo | |
|---|---|
| Teams identified as preferred destinations | Miami Heat and Boston Celtics |
| Player's attributed preference | Remaining in the Eastern Conference |
| Asset available for Boston | $27 million trade exception |
| Available Draft assets | Up to four first-round picks and two swaps |
Boston has room to build an offer
For a potential negotiation, the Celtics have significant resources to try to present an attractive proposal.
The franchise could include up to four future first-round Draft picks and two pick swap rights, a capacity that enhances their options if they ultimately decide to deal with Milwaukee.
Although significant conversations between both organizations have not yet taken place, the possibility of Boston fully entering the operation alters the market balance.
Miami remains attentive to the movements
Reports about the Celtics' interest have not gone unnoticed in the Heat environment.
Jake Fischer revealed on Thursday that he had also received data placing Boston as a real candidate to acquire Antetokounmpo.
According to that information, although there are no advanced negotiations with the Bucks yet, the mere possibility of the Celtics joining the race "genuinely worries Miami."
With the NBA Draft of 2026 marked as a crucial date to resolve the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the scenario remains open. What seemed like a clear path to South Beach could have turned into a battle between two of the most important franchises in the Eastern Conference, with Boston regaining prominence in an operation that could shape the league's future.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El fichaje estelar que devolvería a los Celtics a lo más alto de la NBA
