The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes took another major turn this weekend after a new report revealed that the Boston Celtics have already submitted a trade offer to the Milwaukee Bucks. Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons said Boston recently entered the race for the two-time MVP despite earlier assumptions that the franchise might sit out the bidding process. “From what I heard, they made an offer in the past week,” Simmons said. “I don’t know what the offer was, and I don’t know who was in it, but they are in it. Their hat was in the ring.”
The Celtics have been connected to Giannis Antetokounmpo for months. Boston was among several teams—including the Knicks, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors—that explored trade scenarios before the February deadline. At the time, Milwaukee ultimately chose to keep its franchise cornerstone. Now, with the Bucks openly listening to offers and the NBA Draft approaching, those conversations appear to be accelerating.
Veteran NBA reporter Zach Lowe suggested Boston's interest extends well beyond a routine phone call. Appearing alongside Simmons, Lowe said the Celtics are “not just dipping their toe in, but diving in” on a potential deal.
The pursuit comes after a difficult year in Milwaukee. The Bucks finished 32-50, missed the playoffs, changed coaches, and saw tensions grow between the organization and Antetokounmpo.
ESPN later reported that the Bucks were exploring trade options for Antetokounmpo. Bucks co-owner Wes Edens previously acknowledged the stakes of the situation, saying, “Either he will be extended, or he'll be traded.”
For Boston, the challenge is obvious: acquiring Antetokounmpo will not come cheap. Previous reporting has suggested that Milwaukee is seeking a package centered on elite young talent and significant draft compensation.
Earlier discussions around possible destinations frequently included the question of whether teams would need to part with established stars to get a deal done.
The Celtics also face financial considerations. Antetokounmpo is set to earn $58.5 million next season and is eligible for a massive extension. At the same time, Boston president Brad Stevens has openly discussed the need to improve the roster's interior presence.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to have more of an impact at the rim,” Stevens said after the season.
