Celtics Get Positive Giannis Antetokounmpo Update In Latest Report

Celtics Get Positive Giannis Antetokounmpo Update In Latest Report originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics could be involved in the sweepstakes for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, but they will have to beat out many other contenders.

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The Celtics reportedly tried acquiring Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, and are expected to pursue him again this summer. Antetokounmpo has plenty of leverage if he turns down an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, as he is expected to do, and can essentially decide where the Bucks send him.

The Miami Heat have been considered a frontrunner, but a new report from The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm is good news for the Celtics chances.

"The rumors of Giannis’ openness to Miami have persisted for years, and league sources indicate that he remains both intrigued and impressed with the organization’s winning culture," The Athletic wrote on Wednesday. "But the more specific question, and the thing that is known to be a concern for Antetokounmpo, is this: Could the Heat truly contend anytime soon if they have to gut their roster to get him?"

Apparently, Antetokounmpo is worried that the Heat would not be able to contend if they gave up the farm to get him. The Athletic also reported that he is "very intrigued" by the Celtics, so that's another good sign for Boston.

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Unlike the Heat, the Celtics do have a very valuable and desirable asset to offer the Bucks in Jaylen Brown. The Celtics would have to trade Brown to get Antetokounmpo simply for salary reasons. Brown is a piece the Bucks could flip for more draft picks and young players. He is a true superstar, unlike anyone on the Heat's roster, who would be willing to give up.

The Celtics would still have Jayson Tatum, so contending would not be an issue.

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