The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga has led to an unlimited number of permutations and combinations emerging as teams prepare themselves for what appears to be the last summer that the Greek Freak remains a Milwaukee Bucks star. One of the biggest suitors to have emerged are none other than the Boston Celtics, but any such scenario will inadvertently lead to the exit of Jaylen Brown, who is the more likely superstar to find himself on the trade block, compared to Jayson Tatum.
The Celtics have been loosely connected to Giannis rumors, and there has even been speculation that Brown could be rerouted elsewhere if Boston somehow entered the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. However a direct Celtics-Blazers blockbuster could become the more realistic path, giving the Celtics the eventual means to go for Giannis, or another superstar.
Recent reporting from NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that Portland is among the teams with “legitimate trade interest” in Brown, alongside the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets. The timing is notable.
The Celtics fell short of championship expectations after a summer of multiple exits, and remain curtailed in their ability to trade for stars because of their payroll. And well, Portland possesses one of the few packages capable of commanding Brad Stevens' attention.
Who can the Trail Blazers involve in a Jaylen Brown trade?
There is little doubt that Boston will command a major package if Brown, a five-time All-Star and the 2024 Finals MVP decides to leave. Portland, however, have multiple assets that they can use.
Proposed trade
Portland Trail Blazers receive:
Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics receive:
Shaedon Sharpe
Scoot Henderson
Jerami Grant
2028 first-round pick
2030 first-round pick
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2032 first-round pick
Pick swap rights in 2029 and 2031
This is the type of offer that would force Boston's front office to actually consider a Brown exit. The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the league’s best two-way wings and still has years left in his prime.
For Portland, this move would signal a dramatic shift from rebuilding to winning. A potential lineup featuring Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Brown, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan would instantly become one of the NBA's most intriguing groups. Brown would provide the dynamic perimeter scorer Portland currently lacks while easing pressure on both Lillard and Holiday.
The fit is especially appealing because Brown thrives without needing the ball constantly in his hands. His versatility would allow Portland to remain balanced offensively while dramatically improving a defense that already showed signs of becoming a strength under head coach Tiago Splitter.
Of course, surrendering both Sharpe and Henderson would hurt. Sharpe still possesses All-Star upside, and Henderson remains one of the league's most explosive young guards. However, in exchange, the Trail Blazers will get a championship-contending roster and the Celtics will have the assets to even potentially go for a blockbuster Giannis trade.
The likes of Sharpe, Grant and Henderson are not only intriguing players, they can also emerge as trade assets Rather than being locked into one expensive core, the Celtics would suddenly control multiple developmental paths.
They could build around Tatum and Sharpe, package Henderson in another move, flip Grant for additional assets, or simply enjoy the financial flexibility that comes from breaking one massive contract into several valuable pieces. Of course, the idea that will intrigue fans still remains that of an Antetokounmpo arrival.
Stein's reporting specifically connected Portland's interest in Brown to the possibility of a larger Antetokounmpo framework. In theory, a three-team blockbuster could send Giannis to Boston, Brown to Portland, and a mountain of young players and draft capital to Milwaukee.
However, that does not seem straightforward as things stand. The Celtics will face extreme competition, and will need to convince the Bucks with a fitting package. Further, Boston is also unlikely to commit to the superstar without assurance of his long-term future, with Giannis’ current deal set to expire at the end of the coming season.
However, a Jaylen Brown trade may as well still be their most realistic option of upgrading a roster that failed to compete for the championship this season.
The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga has led to an unlimited number of permutations and combinations emerging as teams prepare themselves for what appears to be the last summer that the Greek Freak remains a Milwaukee Bucks star.