Saturday, June 28, 2025
Home Basketball Celtics predicted to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo despite looming apron constraints

Celtics predicted to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo despite looming apron constraints

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is uncertain following their 4-1 playoff exit to the Indiana Pacers. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned the Boston Celtics as a possible destination for Antetokounmpo if he stays in the Eastern Conference, also linking the New York Knicks to the “Greek Freak.”

Ad

“The move for Giannis, if he has the control, is to go to the East,” Windhorst said. “I think you have to look at the teams that could make a trade for Giannis that the Bucks would accept, and on the other side of the trade would have a contending team.

With the Celtics, the nine-time All-Star will still be on a contending team. Unfortunately for the Boston franchise, they could enter the second apron if they absorb Antetokounmpo’s three-year, $175 million contract.

Ad

That would mean plenty of penalties, including the highest level of luxury tax. Despite this, Windhorst sees it as a possibility.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

"Boston would be on that list... I think New York would be on that list. There's some difficulties when you talk about aprons and second apron teams trying to make trades and that's a reality."

Ad

The Celtics are currently $227.8 million in salary, which is over the $207.8 million limit. If they remain above the financial ceiling of the second apron, it could be the team's fourth-straight season of having to spend over the salary cap.

The Knicks, on the other hand, have a bit more freedom in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. Currently, they have $199.7 million in salary for the 2025-26 season.


A Western Conference team could be a candidate to land Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo may have turned 30 last season, but he's still one of the top players in the league. The Bucks star is someone that most teams would love to acquire if he becomes available.

Ad

Per Bleacher Report's Dan Favale, there is one Western Conference team that could make a "surprise push" for the 2021 champ. He mentioned the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that was swept in the first round of the playoffs.

"Constructing a package around Jaren Jackson Jr. or Ja Morant has to at least get the Bucks' attention," Favale wrote.

Antetokounmpo keeps the Grizzlies competitive. The 6-foot-11 big man can support young stars Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. in the postseason.

Boston Celtics Nation! You can check out the latest Boston Celtics Schedule and dive into the Celtics Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

Quick Links

Edited by William Paul
RELATED ARTICLES

Lakers Free Agency: Flexibility to Sign Anthony Edwards’ Coveted Teammate a Massive Upside of Dorian Finney-Smith Leaving

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the NBA free agency with hopes of acquiring a center for their lineup. However, it looks like the Purple and Gold can sign a new shooter before going all-in for a big man. Ad Rumors of the LA's forward Dorian Finney-Smith leaving have been getting stronger day by

New blockbuster 3-team trade proposal helps Lakers land Nic Claxton and former No. 1 pick

Heading into the offseason, it was no secret that the LA Lakers were going to be in the market for a starting center. After parting ways with Anthony Davis, the team's lack of frontcourt depth proved problematic come playoff time. Ad Given that, there's been considerable talk of LA acquiring Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, or

“None of them can guard me”: Kevin Durant’s defiant stance against LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and more after fan’s jibe

Kevin Durant has hit back at a fan by claiming that LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal can’t guard him. An account on X posted a graphic with these six players, asking who would come off the bench. One fan replied to the post, calling KD an impostor. Ad Durant

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

Lakers Free Agency: Flexibility to Sign Anthony Edwards’ Coveted Teammate a Massive Upside of Dorian Finney-Smith Leaving

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the NBA free agency with hopes of acquiring a center for their lineup. However, it looks like the Purple and Gold can sign a new shooter before going all-in for a big man. Ad Rumors of the LA's forward Dorian Finney-Smith leaving have been getting stronger day by

New blockbuster 3-team trade proposal helps Lakers land Nic Claxton and former No. 1 pick

Heading into the offseason, it was no secret that the LA Lakers were going to be in the market for a starting center. After parting ways with Anthony Davis, the team's lack of frontcourt depth proved problematic come playoff time. Ad Given that, there's been considerable talk of LA acquiring Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, or

”There’s hope for me” – Iga Swiatek stays in good spirits for Wimbledon despite Bad Homburg Open final loss

Iga Swiatek made her feelings known about feeling positive about competing in Wimbledon, even after her finals at the Bad Homburg Open did not pan out as expected. Wimbledon is slated to get underway on June 30 and conclude on July 13, 2025. Ad Swiatek was last seen competing at the Bad Homburg Open, where

“None of them can guard me”: Kevin Durant’s defiant stance against LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and more after fan’s jibe

Kevin Durant has hit back at a fan by claiming that LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal can’t guard him. An account on X posted a graphic with these six players, asking who would come off the bench. One fan replied to the post, calling KD an impostor. Ad Durant

Recent Comments