Celtics’ Bid for Antetokounmpo Falls Short, Front Office Turns to Next Moves
celtics-miss-out-on-giannis-face-offseason-decisions
Boston’s aggressive pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo ended without a deal, leaving the Celtics to reassess their offseason strategy.
Multiple league reports indicate the Celtics were one of the last two contenders before the Milwaukee Bucks agreed late Monday night to trade the two-time MVP to the Miami Heat.
What Miami Sent
Miami’s reported package included guard Tyler Herro, prospects Kelel Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in this week’s draft, additional first-round selections and a future pick swap.
Boston’s Offer
Sources said Boston centered its proposal on All-NBA guard Jaylen Brown along with draft compensation. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that the Celtics were “all-in” and that Antetokounmpo was open to signing an extension in Boston.
Where the Celtics Stand
Brown is coming off a career-best season, averaging 28.7 points while earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Fellow All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum remains the franchise cornerstone. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens must now decide whether to keep the Brown-Tatum core intact or explore other trades.
Boston has also been linked to potential targets such as New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III and Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart.
With the NBA Draft set for Tuesday night, Stevens could pivot quickly as the team looks to strengthen its roster following the failed Antetokounmpo bid.
Source: Hoops Wire
