The race for Giannis Antetokounmpo may have taken a significant turn just days before the 2026 NBA Draft. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, a league source told The Stein Line that the Boston Celtics emerged from the weekend “with a real shot” to acquire Antetokounmpo, with a package centered around Jaylen Brown.
The report is notable because it suggests momentum is building toward a direct negotiation between Boston and Milwaukee. Stein added that the Bucks have even discussed the possibility of completing a deal without requiring a third-team facilitator, a concept that had previously been viewed as essential if Milwaukee preferred assets other than Brown.
Boston’s interest in Antetokounmpo has been one of the league’s worst-kept secrets since Milwaukee’s disappointing 32-50 season ended without a playoff appearance. The Bucks enter the 2026 NBA Draft holding the No. 10 overall pick, while uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future continues to dominate league conversations.
For the Celtics, the appeal is obvious. Despite finishing 56-26, winning the Atlantic Division, and securing the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, Boston suffered a shocking first-round playoff defeat to Philadelphia. That early exit appears to have accelerated the organization’s exploration of blockbuster roster upgrades.
Brown would represent a substantial return if Milwaukee ultimately decides to move Antetokounmpo. The 29-year-old delivered one of the strongest campaigns of his career in 2025-26, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across 71 games. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors and finished sixth in MVP voting while helping Boston post the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Yet Antetokounmpo remains a unique asset. The two-time MVP is widely regarded as one of basketball’s premier two-way players and would immediately reshape Boston’s championship outlook. Pairing him with Jayson Tatum would create one of the league’s most formidable star duos and potentially position the Celtics as favorites in the Eastern Conference.
Recent comments from veteran NBA reporter Sam Amick highlighted how strongly Boston appears to value the possibility. Speaking on Run It Back, Amick said that if Milwaukee offered a straight-up Antetokounmpo-for-Brown swap, “the deal is done,” adding that something is clearly driving Boston’s pursuit.
Questions remain about whether Milwaukee views Brown as the centerpiece of its next era. Previous reporting suggested the Bucks might prefer to reroute Brown elsewhere in exchange for younger players, draft capital, and additional flexibility. That possibility fueled speculation involving teams such as Portland and other clubs holding significant draft assets.
Stein’s latest update, however, suggests Milwaukee may be more open than previously believed to a direct framework with Boston. With the draft beginning June 23 and the Bucks controlling the No. 10 selection, the timeline for a decision could be accelerating.
The Celtics own the No. 27 pick in the first round and remain one of the few contenders capable of offering an established All-NBA player in return.
