It’s the summer of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
First, the Boston Celtics were definitely out. Now, they’re definitely in. Or, are they? Maybe they’re posturing? Or perhaps the Celtics are playing a game of chicken with the Miami Heat, trying to see what type of offer they have to beat.
Based on all circulating reports, the Heat are going to offer a package that looks something like Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (and maybe some additional draft capital).
Meanwhile, the Celtics could — in theory — offer Jaylen Brown, a young wing (Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, etc.), and draft picks. The Milwaukee Bucks would — again, in theory — send Brown to a third team in exchange for more assets.
At this point, those are the only two teams being mentioned. The Cleveland Cavaliers got a shout, as did the Orlando Magic. And the reported asking price from the Minnesota Timberwolves is astronomical.
Yet while all that has been happening, Windhorst also mentioned that Antetokounmpo is “focused” on playing for the Heat.
Long-time Miami reporter Barry Jackson confirmed the notion that there are “few teams” outside of the Heat that Antetokounmpo would sign an extension with.
Jackson also stated that Boston is one of them.
Though, in a separate post, Jackson noted something Bobby Marks said on ESPN: If the Celtics don’t get an Antetokounmpo deal across the finish line, they risk upsetting Brown.
To be perfectly clear: I do not know. The following is nothing more than my thoughts on the matter.
Given that a bunch of different people are presenting different information, I assume the tidbits are coming from a variety of sources.
Some people may be hearing things from the Celtics (though Boston doesn’t usually let things slip very easily). Others may be getting intel from the Heat, Antetokounmpo’s camp, or even from third teams that may want to get involved in an attempt to land a guy like Brown or Herro.
I believe that the Celtics are
