The Boston Celtics had a disappointing finish to their season. After playing better than anyone expected during the regular season, they blew a 3-1 lead to the 76ers, ending their season. After that blown lead, questions are swirling about the future of the franchise.
Jayson Tatum returned this season just 10 months after tearing his Achilles tendon. Jaylen Brown was fantastic during the regular season, but had comments after the loss to Philly that have pundits questioning whether or not he wants to remain in Boston.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a big fish waiting to be traded for. One NBA analyst recently gave his take on what the odds are that the Celtics try to trade for him.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Celtics’ Odds of Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo Revealed
ESPN’s Bobby Marks believes that the Celtics would try to trade for Antetokounmpo only if they were sure he would extend his contract. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make a move for him.
“Would the Celtics spit up Tatum or Brown if there is no assurance Antetokounmpo will extend his deal during the regular season? The answer should be a hard no, considering Brown and Tatum have at least three years remaining on their contracts,” Marks wrote.
As Marks notes, a trade for Antetokounmpo would almost certainly come at the cost of Jaylen Brown. The Celtics don’t have enough assets to get a deal done without including him in it. If they don’t believe Antetokounmpo will stay long-term, it doesn’t make sense to trade Brown.
Boston has already proven it can win a title with both Tatum and Brown on the roster. Instead of trying to bring in Antetokounmpo, they could decide to tinker with the roster around those two in order to get a contender built back up. That seems to be the most likely scenario.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Don’t Rule Out a Big Boston Trade
Even if they don’t decide to try to bring in Antetokounmpo, a big Boston trade cannot be ruled out. As Marks notes, the Celtics have three first-round picks that can be traded in the next six years. They could try to bring in a different player to better suit their needs.
With the East slated to be better next season, Boston has to figure out a way to get back into contention. The Pacers will be back with Tyrese Haliburton fully healthy. The Knicks won’t be any worse and could try their own trade for Antetokounmpo. Detroit and Cleveland are still good, as well.
Boston’s finances are also going to be a big question mark. They made a trade to get under the luxury tax this season. How much they are willing to spend in order to have a contending team under new owner Bill Chisholm remains to be seen.
Next year, they are projected to have $21 million in space below the first apron. That gives them plenty of wiggle room to make some deals.
NBA Analyst Reveals Chances of Celtics Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo