Celtics Reportedly Interested in Acquiring Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo

The two-time MVP could potentially join forces with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game, with the players' forms deconstructed and abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The potential acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo by the Boston Celtics could create a new era of championship contention for the storied franchise.Boston Today

According to a recent report, the Boston Celtics are among the teams interested in acquiring Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo, a 10-time All-Star, is expected to be back on the trade rumor mill this summer after the Bucks failed to make the playoffs. The Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown and with the eventual return of Jayson Tatum, are seen as a potential landing spot for the Greek Freak as he seeks to win his first NBA championship.

Why it matters

The potential acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a massive move for the Celtics, pairing one of the league's best players with their existing All-Star duo of Tatum and Brown. This would instantly make the Celtics a top title contender and potentially shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Antetokounmpo, who is set to earn $57 million next season, has been linked to the Celtics in recent trade rumors. The 28-year-old forward has spent his entire 13-year career with the Bucks, but with Milwaukee failing to make the playoffs, he could be open to a change of scenery in pursuit of his first NBA championship.

  • Antetokounmpo sustained a knee injury in mid-March and is interested in playing Milwaukee's remaining games, though the Bucks have not medically cleared him.
  • The Bucks have been eliminated from playoff contention with a 31-48 record this season.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A 10-time NBA All-Star and two-time MVP who has spent his entire 13-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star and the Celtics' star forward who was sidelined for the majority of the 2022-23 season due to injury.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star guard who has elevated his performance this season, averaging a career-high 28.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who Antetokounmpo recently praised for the team's culture.

Nikola Vucevic

The veteran center who was traded to the Celtics in February, adding further depth to their roster.

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What’s next

The Celtics will need to navigate their salary cap situation and potentially make roster moves to create the necessary cap space to acquire Antetokounmpo, who is set to earn $57 million next season.

The takeaway

The potential acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a game-changing move for the Celtics, pairing one of the league's best players with their existing All-Star duo of Tatum and Brown. This would instantly make the Celtics a top title contender and potentially shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.