If we learned one thing during the Boston Celtics first-round exit, it’s that there are multiple moves away from being a championship-caliber team right now.
There are holes at the guard and center positions that need to be addressed. However, Boston will likely be linked with any star name that becomes even marginally available over the coming months. As such, we should get used to seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s floated around.
Any deal for Giannis would need to include Jaylen Brown. The Celtics have other pathways to make the money work. A deal built around Derrick White, Sam Hauser and filler could get them there. Yet, that wouldn’t be enough to position them as leaders in what would undoubtedly be a near league-wide sweepstake.
With that in mind, Matt John of Hardwood Houdini has proposed a three-team deal that would see Boston send Brown to his hometown Atlanta Hawks. The deal would also set the Bucks up for a rapid rebuild.
The proposed trade looks like this:
Celtics get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Hawks get: Jaylen Brown
Bucks get: Jonathan Kuminga, Corey Kispert, Zaccharie Risacher and a “boatload of picks.”
“Brown would probably be okay with going back to his hometown where he gets to show out for a team that has an exciting future,” John wrote in his article. “No one is advocating for Boston to trade Brown at all costs. In fact, the only way the Celtics would think about it is if they get someone who is better and raises their ceiling.”
This season, Brown stepped into a leading role for the Celtics and produced his best statistical season as a result. However, with Jayson Tatum now back to full health, Brown will need to resume his usual role as a 1B option.
Former Star Claims Brown Is Frustrated With Celtics
According to Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, who has a close relationship with Brown, the Celtics’ All-Star is frustrated in Boston.
“I think his frustration lies deeply in the organization that we don’t have the details to,” McGrady said on his “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady” podcast. “… There’s just been a lot of stuff that I’ve been hearing, just going on with the Boston organization with JB.”
Brown currently has three years left on his $285 million contract. Unless he personally asks out, the Celtics would be unlikely to trade him. Brad Stevens may be tempted if the return is a player of Giannis’ caliber.
Celtics Could Hold Interest In Giannis
Insider Marc Stein addressed the Celtics’ potential interest in Giannis. His comments came when speaking on Sirius XM’s “Deals and Dunks” podcast on Monday, May 4, NBA.
“There will inevitably be people who bring back the, ‘Do they break up Tatum and (Jaylen) Brown’ — like, that storyline will probably come back,” Stein said, via NESN. “There have been some rumblings at various points during the season that the Celtics could be a stealth Giannis team. And, a team that potentially interests Giannis.”
“So let’s keep our eye on the Celtics. We know Brad Stevens is not afraid to make big moves and take big swings. So I think we have to be ready for just about anything with Boston.”
Trading Brown won’t be an easy decision for the Celtics. However, if Brad Stevens believes that Giannis and Tatum will get the team closer to another championship, then it’s fair to assume he would explore the possibility of making a deal.
Proposed 3-Team Blockbuster Lands Giannis Antetokounmpo With Celtics