TITLE: Celtics Open to Brown-for-Giannis Swap; Blazers, Heat and Warriors Monitor Other Stars
SLUG: celtics-giannis-brown-blazers-heat-morant-kawhi
CONTENT:
The Boston Celtics would agree to a straight one-for-one trade sending Jaylen Brown to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. League executives cited by Amick believe the Bucks would ask for additional assets, and Boston could include as many as three first-round picks, though it is unclear how far the Celtics are willing to go.
If Antetokounmpo remains unavailable, Boston is expected to explore other options and is among several clubs pursuing New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, sources told Amick.
Blazers Interested in Brown, Not Pushing for Giannis
The Portland Trail Blazers are not actively chasing Antetokounmpo, partly because the two-time MVP has shown no inclination to sign an extension in Portland and can reach free agency in 2027. However, Portland would have “serious” interest in acquiring Brown should Boston make him available, Amick reported. Brown is under contract for three more seasons.
Grizzlies Hope Morant Becomes Plan B for Giannis Suitors
Despite limited recent buzz around Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies believe the two-time All-Star could emerge as an alternative target once Antetokounmpo’s situation is resolved. The Miami Heat have maintained long-standing interest in Morant, and Memphis hopes to obtain portions of any potential Heat package that might otherwise have been sent to Milwaukee.
Kawhi Leonard Drawing Quiet Interest
The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat are among the teams eyeing Kawhi Leonard, Amick confirmed. Uncertainty surrounds Leonard’s availability as the NBA investigates alleged salary-cap circumvention involving the Los Angeles Clippers, and a recent report indicated owner Steve Ballmer remains firmly opposed to trading the forward.
Source: HoopsRumors
