All eyes are on the Celtics as they consider a trade for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston and the Miami Heat are the frontrunners for the star player, and a recent trade from another sport may give Boston an advantage.
One of the Bucks' main owners Jimmy Haslam, is also the Browns' majority owner. In June, Cleveland made a significant trade, sending star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Verse and several draft picks. The Browns ensured they received a standout player in return for Garrett. ESPN's NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes Haslam is holding out for a star player in exchange for Antetokounmpo, similar to how he approached the trade involving Garrett.
"I am sure the Boston Celtics looked at what happened with the Cleveland Browns. (Jimmy Haslam) didn't approve a deal until he got a high quality player in return," Windhorst said Monday on "NBA Today".
"I am sure the Boston Celtics looked at what happened with the Cleveland Browns. ... [Jimmy Haslam] didn't approve a deal until he got a high quality player in return."@WindhorstESPN compared the Myles Garrett trade to a potential Giannis deal 😮 pic.twitter.com/BPufyBnMg6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 22, 2026
The Celtics could trade one of their star players Jaylen Brown, for Antetokounmpo. In contrast, the Heat does not have a player of similar caliber to give up.
The Bucks might be holding out to trade for a player like Brown in exchange for Antetokounmpo, which could explain why they haven't moved him yet.
If the Bucks are serious about adding a star player in return, then the Celtics should have the best chance of landing Antetokounmpo.
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