Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been amongst a number of playoff groups that reportedly pursued the two-time MVP.
The Celtics remained quiet throughout the commerce deadline, however that doesn’t imply they stayed utterly away from pursuing large names.
In accordance with a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics have been amongst a number of playoff groups that attempted to land Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo in February.
The Celtics, Lakers, Knicks, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers all reportedly pursued Antetokounmpo.
In accordance with Charania, the best way these groups end the playoffs will play a “main” function in how aggressive they’re in any upcoming pursuits this summer time.
Charania used the phrases “open for enterprise” to explain the place the Bucks are at by way of fielding commerce requires Antetokounmpo.
In the meantime, the Celtics have some soul-searching to do after their third playoff collapse in 4 years. The Celtics gained a title in 2024, however they’ve didn’t make it previous the second spherical in every of the final two seasons.
Throughout his end-of-the-season press conference, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens mentioned that the Celtics want so as to add to their workforce as a way to get the place they wish to go. He particularly mentioned that the Celtics want to search out methods to affect the rim as a way to add variance to their shot choice.
Antetokunmpo is without doubt one of the premier paint scorers within the NBA. He has shot higher than 60 p.c from the sphere over every of the final three seasons. He led the league in factors within the paint per recreation at 18.7 final season.
The Celtics, as a workforce, have been twenty seventh within the league in factors within the paint throughout the common season at 44.3 per recreation. They led the league in 3-point makes an attempt.
Buying Antetokounmpo would require the Celtics to maneuver important quantities of wage and probably some draft belongings.
The marketplace for Antetokounmpo is predicted to be “strong”, in keeping with ESPN with the Bucks trying to land a blue chip expertise or a lot of draft picks in return.
Antetoukounmpo, 31, has two years left on his present contract. He’s scheduled to make $58 million subsequent season. Jayson Tatum’s and Jaylen Brown’s salaries will each be near that quantity.
Antetokunmpo is a two-time league MVP and a ten-time All-Star. He has performed the whole lot of his profession with the Bucks thus far, however is now contemplating different choices after a string of playoff disappointments.
Milwaukee has not made it previous the primary spherical since 2022 they usually missed the playoffs altogether this yr. Milwaukee and coach Doc Rivers have since parted ways.
Bucks co-owner Wes Edens told ESPN in March that Antetokunmpo will both signal a contract extension with the franchise or be traded. As of proper now, the edges stay comparatively far aside in keeping with Charania.
“Nothing has modified in Antetokounmpo’s stance that the time has come for each side to maneuver on, sources mentioned,” Charania wrote.
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