After the Celtics had a massive playoff collapse, they may officially look to join the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market this offseason. If the Bucks do finally make the vital decision to trade Giannis, Boston's interest should be a welcome addition to the suitor pool. Bleacher Report recently mocked up a trade idea sending the Greek Freak to Boston:
The Celtics could offer the Bucks a great package
Jaylen Brown is coming off a career year in the regular season, but has become a scapegoat for the Celtics' playoff disappointment. After going up 3-1 in the first round, Boston lost three straight games against the 7th seeded 76ers for a startling early postseason exit. Brown took heat for his poor analytics but still produced well throughout the series: 26 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field and 40% from three.
Brown may actually relish a trade to the Bucks, where he can serve as the unquestioned primary option. When he was allowed to operate in that role this season while Jayson Tatum was injured, Brown put up 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game as the Celtics won 56 games. Despite their playoff failure, Brown has publicly said it was his favorite NBA season because he was allowed to display his full skillset throughout the season.
The Bucks surely wouldn't mind getting to see even more of that skillset on display in coming seasons. Brown is a two-way star whose constant effort on both sides leads to great outcomes. Bringing him into a developing team with rising stars should only help their development while Brown gets a chance to shine.
All parties should be happy from this trade
One of the Bucks' primary motives in finding a Giannis trade destination is picking a team that will make him happy too. And Boston should easily be on that list. The Celtics are just one dominant downhill scorer away from being a solid title contender once again, and Giannis checks that box like no other.
With the Celtics, Giannis would have another opportunity to compete deep into the playoffs and have the support of a top-tier front office. The Celtics have repeatedly shown they can surround their stars with the right complementary talent to build a great roster.
Adding a couple first round picks for the Bucks is only icing on the cake, but it shouldn't affect the Celtics significantly in their title pursuits. If anything, those two draft picks just help the Bucks regain proper value for trading away a top-5 player still in his prime. Overall, the trade accomplishes many goals for both teams and I would have to rate it highly.
Trade Grade: A-
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