The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are heating up, but it doesn't seem like the Boston Celtics will engage.
Recently, several NBA insiders, including ESPN's Brian Windhorst and now The Athletic's Sam Amick, have indicated there are no signs the Celtics are pursuing Antetokounmpo.
“As of now, there are no strong signs at all that they're attacking the Giannis thing," Amick told CLNS media on Tuesday. "But I wonder as we get closer to that deadline (June 23, first round of 2026 NBA Draft), how much of this is just being kept quiet because of those dynamics (splitting up Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum), or is it just Miami and everybody else. I think Miami is absolutely out front right now."
.@sam_amick gives update on #Celtics reported pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo:
“As of now not any strong signs at all that they're attacking the Giannis thing.” pic.twitter.com/Blfcbw26eI
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) June 9, 2026
If the Celtics want to acquire Antetokounmpo, they will likely need to trade Brown to balance salaries and provide the necessary trade assets. Boston may be hesitant to trade Brown, who has been a significant part of the roster for the past 10 years, especially for Antetokounmpo, who will turn 32 this year and is coming off a season in which he played only 36 games.
Windhorst also told CLNS Media on Sunday that he hasn't heard the Celtics in the running for Antetokounmpo.
"I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis's list," Windhorst said. "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 that's in the world of reality."
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