The Boston Celtics have made a significant move in their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Jaylen Brown reportedly included as part of their trade package for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up on Monday, Brian Windhorst reported that Boston is “all in” on acquiring Antetokounmpo and said Brown is available in discussions. Windhorst added that if a deal for Giannis happens before the 2026 NBA Draft, he believes the Celtics or Miami Heat are the most likely destinations.
“If Giannis is traded in the next 24 [hours], which I think is a good chance of happening, I think it’s going to be Boston or Miami,” Windhorst said. “Jaylen Brown is on the table.”
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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo is prepared for a trade and is focused on Boston or Miami. Charania added that the final deal is expected to be a direct one-for-one structure between Milwaukee and one of those teams rather than involving additional franchises.
A Brown-for-Giannis framework would represent one of the biggest player swaps in recent NBA history. Brown is coming off a career season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while helping Boston finish 56-26 and earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
For Milwaukee, the decision comes after a difficult 2025-26 season. The Bucks finished 32-50 and missed both the playoffs and the Play-In Tournament for the first time in nearly a decade. Antetokounmpo remained dominant despite playing only 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4% from the field.
The Heat are also aggressively pursuing Antetokounmpo but face a different challenge. Windhorst said Miami understands Brown is part of Boston’s offer and has been searching for additional teams to strengthen its proposal. Miami’s reported package is centered around younger players, rookie-scale contracts and draft assets, including the No. 13 pick in Tuesday’s draft.
“Miami doesn’t have a premium player, like a Jaylen Brown,” Windhorst said. “The most premium asset they have to trade is the 13th pick.”
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Miami’s reported approach includes players such as Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic, along with draft capital. The Heat finished 43-39 and reached the Play-In Tournament, while continuing to search for a new offensive centerpiece.
The Celtics’ pursuit comes with major roster implications beyond Giannis. Windhorst said Brown could still be moved even if Boston does not land Antetokounmpo, suggesting the organization may look to reset its roster around Jayson Tatum.
“If the Bucks choose the Miami Heat offer, Jaylen Brown will get traded somewhere else,” Windhorst said. “They are going to move on here.”
If Boston lands Giannis, the Celtics would pair Antetokounmpo with Tatum to create one of the NBA’s most talented duos. If Milwaukee chooses Miami, the Bucks would instead begin a new era centered around young players, draft picks and a potential franchise reset.
With the draft approaching, Milwaukee’s decision could reshape the Eastern Conference before the first pick is announced.
