Boston Celtics
“Antetokounmpo’s concentrate on getting again to title competition shouldn’t be missed.”
There may very well be a brand new suitor in play for Giannis Antetokounmpo, however the Bucks star’s curiosity within the Celtics might issue into the place he finally ends up in keeping with The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Oklahoma Metropolis’s loss to the Spurs within the Western Convention Finals might have uncovered some “issues that Antetokounmpo is uniquely positioned to assist clear up,” Amick wrote, noting Victor Wembanyama’s success in his matchup towards Thunder ahead Chet Holmgren. The Thunder even have a loads of draft capital to supply in a possible Antetokounmpo deal.
However, the Celtics have emerged as a possible “wild card” to land Antetokounmpo, Amick wrote. The Celtics gained a title in 2024 two years in the past. They nonetheless have a aggressive core in place and the reigning NBA Coach of the Yr who drew reward from Antetokounmpo earlier this 12 months.
Boston was the No. 2 seed within the Japanese Convention this season earlier than bowing out within the first spherical towards Philadelphia.
Antetokounmpo’s need to win might make the Celtics a pretty vacation spot. Boston was one in all 4 groups Amick centered on in his piece, together with Miami, Cleveland, and Orlando.
“Whereas league sources have lengthy maintained that he’s concerned with becoming a member of the Warmth, there are additionally indications that he’s very intrigued with the prospect of becoming a member of a Celtics crew that, by any goal measure, is deeper and extra dynamic than Miami’s and will thus stay extra aggressive after a blockbuster deal,” wrote Amick.
“And once more, Antetokounmpo’s concentrate on getting again to title competition shouldn’t be missed.”
Antetokounmpo doesn’t have a no-trade clause, however his contract scenario would doubtless trigger groups who’re pursuing him to take his opinion into consideration.
He has one 12 months left on his present deal, adopted by a participant choice for the 2028 season. The chance of giving up important property for a one-year rental may very well be actual if Antetokounmpo isn’t joyful the place he finally ends up.
Longtime NBA reporter Steve Bulpett reported that there have been “no direct talks” between the Celtics and Bucks. He additionally stated that it’s turning into “more and more doubtless” {that a} deal might contain a number of groups if the Bucks resolve to maneuver Antetokounmpo in any respect.
Nonetheless, the likelihood stays that the Celtics would possibly merely be staying quiet about their pursuit.
Jaylen Brown, who’s coming off of what he referred to as his “favourite” NBA season, completed sixth within the MVP voting.
Brown’s feedback about how a lot he preferred this season had been broadcast through livestream on Twitch, and the optics had been poor contemplating the Celtics’ early playoff exit and the truth that Brown spent many of the season taking part in with out Jayson Tatum.
“Nonetheless, the Celtics took measures, each publicly and privately, to insist that this storyline was overblown,” Amick wrote. “As such, any exploration of the Antetokounmpo chance — if there’s one this time round — would doubtless be discreet,” Amick wrote. “Nonetheless, the Bucks can be effectively served by fleshing out the Celtics’ prospects.”
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam stated he’s anticipating a call on Antetokounmpo’s future with the franchise to be made forward of the NBA Draft, which begins June twenty third.
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