Celtics Not in Mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Says NBA Insider

Bucks star's future remains uncertain as team struggles

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:07am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with Giannis Antetokounmpo's figure broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, conveying the uncertainty and fragmentation surrounding the Bucks' star player.As the Bucks' future with Giannis Antetokounmpo remains uncertain, the team's struggles have exposed deep fractures in the franchise's direction.Boston Today

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Boston Celtics are not currently in the mix to potentially acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks has been a major topic of speculation as the team has failed to advance past the playoffs in recent years despite his superstar talent.

Why it matters

The Celtics have been viewed as a potential landing spot for Antetokounmpo given their talented young core and ability to put together an enticing trade package. However, Haynes' comments suggest the Celtics are not actively pursuing the two-time MVP, at least for now. Antetokounmpo's decision on his long-term future will have major implications for the Bucks' direction and the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Haynes stated on SiriusXM NBA Radio that he has not heard the Celtics mentioned as a team that Antetokounmpo might be interested in joining. The Bucks' front office, led by general manager Jon Horst, has publicly maintained that they are moving forward with Antetokounmpo despite the team's recent struggles. However, Horst acknowledged the "noise" and "chatter" surrounding Antetokounmpo's future has had an impact, and he feels empowered to explore both keeping the superstar or trading him for draft assets and a new direction.

  • The Bucks have failed to advance past the playoffs for the past 3-4 seasons.
  • Antetokounmpo opted to remain with the Bucks in the 2023-24 season.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.

Chris Haynes

An NBA insider and reporter who provided the update on the Celtics' interest in Antetokounmpo.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has publicly stated the team is moving forward with Antetokounmpo despite the team's recent struggles.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't heard Boston in the mix as far as being a team that he might be interested in. Maybe that's something that could change. I've just never heard that.”

— Chris Haynes, NBA Insider

“We definitely said we were moving forward with Giannis [to start this season]. I didn't have to keep repeating it. If I say it, I mean it, I live it, and that's enough.”

— Jon Horst, Milwaukee Bucks General Manager

“Doc's been an unbelievable partner for me going through a really tough season. We haven't won a playoff series in three years or four years, whatever. Well, Doc's been part of that, and we've had injuries every year. Giannis has been part of that. I've been part of that. The teams that we've built, the injuries that we've had, the decisions we've made, we've all been part of that, and we're all part of this right now.”

— Jon Horst, Milwaukee Bucks General Manager

What’s next

The Bucks will need to make a decision on Antetokounmpo's future in the coming months, as rival teams will be lining up to try and acquire the superstar if he becomes available. The team's performance and Antetokounmpo's own desires will be key factors in determining whether he stays in Milwaukee or is traded to a new destination.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain as the team has struggled to find postseason success in recent years. While the Celtics were previously viewed as a potential landing spot, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports they are not currently in the mix to acquire the two-time MVP. The Bucks' front office will have a difficult decision to make on whether to build around Antetokounmpo or explore trading him for a new direction.