Giannis Antetokounmpo to Celtics talk gets reality check from Brian Windhorst

The race to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to involve no shortage of interested teams, and the Boston Celtics have surfaced as one of the franchises linked to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.

The Celtics experienced a season filled with highs and lows in 2025-26. Boston won 56 games during the regular season, but that success was overshadowed by a stunning first-round playoff exit against the Philadelphia 76ers after holding a 3-1 series lead.

While many viewed the Celtics’ overall performance as better than expected, blowing such a significant advantage inevitably led to questions about the team’s future and whether changes could be on the horizon.

Should Boston consider breaking up part of its core, with Jaylen Brown often mentioned in the discussion, or are the recent trade rumors being blown out of proportion after one disappointing playoff run?

Brian Windhorst on Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Celtics

Celtics have repeatedly surfaced in speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, though there has been no concrete reporting indicating the organization is actively pursuing a trade for the Milwaukee star. Even if Boston has discussed the possibility internally, veteran NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently downplayed the idea, saying a move that sends Antetokounmpo to the Celtics is not viewed as a realistic outcome.

.@WindhorstESPN: “I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis’s list. I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign the extension with Boston,”

“Just because I haven’t heard doesn’t mean it’s not true. But until those two things are true, I don’t think it’s really something… pic.twitter.com/FAw7OzsZsq

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) June 7, 2026

“I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis’s list,” Windhorst commented via Celtics on CLNS post on X (formerly Twitter).

“I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign the extension with Boston.”

One factor that could be fueling Windhorst’s skepticism is the growing belief around the league that Giannis Antetokounmpo may only be willing to make a long-term commitment to the Miami Heat. Miami has consistently been linked to Antetokounmpo in recent months and is widely viewed as the team leading the pursuit, which could make other potential destinations, including the Celtics, less appealing from a trade standpoint.

“Now let’s have a discussion. But I haven’t heard that. Just because I haven’t heard doesn’t mean it’s not true. But until those two things are true, I don’t think it’s really something that’s in the world of reality.”