Playoff losses, especially early ones, can force teams into some wild decisions. After blowing a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers, everyone is wondering how the Boston Celtics might approach their offseason. Do they remain composed, or do they try to shake things up after being upset? If it's the second option, many would think they could have eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Celtics make sense as a Giannis suitor
This isn't fan fiction. Earlier this year, The Athletic's Sam Amick (subscription required) reported that the Celtics were a known Giannis trade suitor. Nothing ever came of it, of course, but with trade talks likely to resume this summer, one would have to think the Celtics' interest would only increase due to their early exit. Superstars like Giannis don't become available every day.
The Milwaukee Bucks know the feeling all too well. After they were upset by the Miami Heat in 2023, still sitting as the last No. 1 seed to lose to an eighth seed, change was needed. The Bucks did not sit calmly and run it back, instead swinging for the fences and trading for Damian Lillard. That move may not have worked out, but at the time, it made all the sense in the world to add an all-world talent.
Celtics have eye-catching pieces for Bucks
The question is what a Boston offer to Milwaukee might look like. Money-wise, it would make sense to dangle one of Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum, given that they both make over $50 million annually. It's obvious they'd like to form a trio here, but with all of the NBA's financial restrictions, it's tough to see it happening. Three players making over $50 million? Sheesh. Something has to give.
If Giannis stands firm and wants a trade, Tatum or Brown would be a nice piece to kickstart the Bucks' roster retooling. Both players are elite wings who could be top options. Would the Celtics really trade one of their homegrown stars who helped them win a title a few short years ago? It could ultimately depend on how far away they feel they are from competing after this playoff upset.
The greatest variable is how much the Celtics think about Jayson Tatum's injury. The star sat out for Game 7 due to a knee issue. Do they believe they win that game with a healthy Tatum? At this point, there's no telling. It'll be fascinating to see if Boston follows Milwaukee's footsteps and goes all-in for a star after a playoff upset or if they take a calm, cool, and collected approach into the summer.
If the Celtics have an interest in the two-time MVP, they could overshadow every team in the running due to their possible trade offer.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google