Giannis Antetokounmpo’s tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks is unraveling after a disastrous 32-50 campaign that snapped the franchise’s nine-year playoff streak. The team also dealt with off-court locker-room controversies and reports of a rift between the front office and the 10-time All-Star.
Amid rumors of a potential exit, the Miami Heat seem to be the frontrunners to acquire him. However, other contenders, including the Boston Celtics, have also sparked speculation as potential destinations.
Brian Windhorst Doubts Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Join the Boston Celtics
Antetokounmpo has been projected as a valuable addition to a Celtics side that experienced a stunning end to their 56-win season after blowing a 3-1 first-round playoff lead to the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst’s latest comments say the Celtics may not be a realistic destination at this point.
“I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis’s list. I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign the extension with Boston,” Windhorst said.
“So frankly, the Jaylen Brown part is new to me. If I hear yes-yes, now let’s have a discussion. Just because I haven’t heard doesn’t mean it’s not true. But until those two things are true, I don’t think it’s really something that’s in the world of reality.”
.@WindhorstESPN: “I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis’s list. I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign the extension with Boston,”
“Just because I haven’t heard doesn’t mean it’s not true. But until those two things are true, I don’t think it’s really something… pic.twitter.com/FAw7OzsZsq
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) June 7, 2026
Brown’s contract is comparable to Antetokounmpo’s, and the Celtics star has frequently surfaced in trade speculation over the past few years.
Given his value around the league, Brown could potentially be the centerpiece of a deal without Boston needing to part with additional star players. There are also questions about whether moving Brown would be the right decision.
Windhorst’s assessment comes shortly after The Athletic reporter Sam Amick said Boston remains a situation worth monitoring if Antetokounmpo becomes available this offseason.
“I think the Celtics are a pretty intriguing option in terms of being competitive,” Amick said in a recent episode of the “Dan Patrick Show.”
“This is what we’ve heard from Giannis’s side that the intrigue is real. The respect for Joe Mazzulla, the way that he might see that roster. Do I think it changes things? I don’t know yet. But I think it’s worth watching.”
SEE ALSO: Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors: Bucks Predicted to Land 2-Time All-Star in 3-Team Trade Involving the Superstar
Meanwhile, Miami remains the most prominent suitor in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Amick said that Miami reportedly came close to completing a deal around the trade deadline, making them one of the most logical landing spots if the Bucks decide to move their franchise star.
On that note, NBA insider Matt Moore recently said on the “Locked On NBA Podcast” that league-wide chatter increasingly points toward Miami as the frontrunner.