The Milwaukee Bucks are not showing strong interest in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo-to-Boston framework centered on Jaylen Brown, according to reporting from Kevin O’Connor on The Kevin O’Connor Show.
League chatter continues to narrow the field of realistic trade partners as discussions around Antetokounmpo gain momentum ahead of the NBA Draft.
O’Connor stated that “I don’t think the Bucks want Jaylen Brown. I think it would have to be a third team involved or possibly even more teams involved,” while also noting that Milwaukee views Miami as a more straightforward trade partner.
He added that “a Giannis deal is probably a lot simpler to Miami,” suggesting that conversations between Milwaukee and Boston would require more complex multi-asset structuring compared to other frameworks.
Brown, 29, remains under a five-year, $285 million contract entering its third year and is coming off a 2025-26 season in which he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across 71 games. He shot 47.7% from the field and 34.7% from three, maintaining a high-volume offensive role as Boston’s primary perimeter scorer.
Milwaukee’s current roster structure places Giannis Antetokounmpo at the center of its offensive identity. The two-time MVP averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 62.4% shooting in 36 games.
League conversations suggest the Bucks’ front office is prioritizing clarity and controllability in any return package. O’Connor’s reporting aligns with broader sentiment that Milwaukee may prefer frameworks involving Miami, where draft capital and younger rotation pieces have been frequently discussed in prior trade modeling.
Boston, however, remains active in exploring a path to Antetokounmpo. According to O’Connor, the Celtics are “willing to trade anyone on their roster not named Jayson Tatum” in pursuit of a deal, signaling an aggressive posture in the market.
The Celtics’ interest is also shaped by roster context. Tatum missed significant time in 2025-26, appearing in just 16 games while averaging 21.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. Boston still finished 56-26 and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, but offensive consistency fluctuated without its primary forward playing a full workload.
Miami continues to be mentioned as a more direct trade partner due to roster alignment. Bam Adebayo’s defensive versatility and the presence of established perimeter scorers give the Heat a clearer framework for absorbing Antetokounmpo’s usage without a full structural overhaul.
As the draft approaches on June 23, the market for Antetokounmpo remains fluid, but increasingly focused.
