TITLE: Celtics Reportedly Emerge as Strong Contender to Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo
SLUG: celtics-reportedly-strong-contender-to-acquire-giannis-antetokounmpo
CONTENT:
The Boston Celtics have moved to the forefront of trade discussions for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Stein reports that Boston and the Miami Heat have held the most advanced talks with Milwaukee as the sweepstakes for the two-time MVP enter what is believed to be the final stages. A league source told Stein early Monday that the Celtics left the weekend “with a real shot” at completing a deal built around All-Star wing Jaylen Brown.
Milwaukee is weighing Boston’s proposal even if a third team cannot be secured to facilitate the transaction, Stein adds. Specific pieces beyond Brown remain unclear, though league chatter indicates the Celtics’ offer would feature additional young players and future draft capital.
The Bucks are said to have interest in Hugo Gonzalez, Boston’s first-round selection last year. Draft compensation could become a hurdle: Milwaukee reportedly wants to secure another lottery pick in Tuesday night’s draft to pair with its own No. 10 selection. Boston holds the No. 27 pick, making the inclusion of a third club willing to surrender a higher pick while absorbing Brown’s remaining $183 million over the next three seasons a potential key to any agreement.
No timeline for a resolution was provided, but talks are expected to continue ahead of the draft.
Source: Hoops Rumors
