The NBA offseason is heating up, and a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks has sent shockwaves through the league. With the NBA Finals underway and only two teams still vying for the championship, the other 28 franchises are already planning their next moves. For the Celtics, Bucks, and Hawks, this speculative trade could reshape their futures in dramatic fashion. Here’s how the deal breaks down and what it means for each team.
The Trade
Boston Celtics receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL), Kyle Kuzma (ATL), Pat Connaughton (MIL), Kobe Bufkin (ATL), and a 2025 1st-round pick (No. 22 via ATL).
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jaylen Brown (BOS), Jrue Holiday (BOS), Terance Mann (ATL), Georges Niang (ATL), a 2025 1st-round pick (No. 28 via BOS), an unprotected 2027 1st-round pick (via BOS), and an unprotected 2031 1st-round pick (via BOS).
Atlanta Hawks receive: Kristaps Porzingis (BOS) and Andre Jackson Jr. (MIL).
This trade is purely speculative, designed to explore how each team could address critical needs while navigating the NBA’s complex CBA and second-apron restrictions. Let’s dive into why each team might consider this deal—and why they might hesitate.
Why the Hawks Do This Trade
For Atlanta, this trade addresses multiple roster gaps while maintaining financial flexibility. Kristaps Porzingis brings elite floor spacing, interior size, and defensive versatility—key elements the Hawks have sought to build around Trae Young. A potential starting lineup of Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Porzingis, and Onyeka Okongwu would give Atlanta a massive, versatile frontcourt with shooting and defensive upside. Alternatively, Porzingis could anchor the second unit as a backup center, though he’d likely start. Andre Jackson Jr., a young, athletic wing, adds depth and potential to the bench. By moving Kobe Bufkin, Terance Mann, and Georges Niang, the Hawks shed contracts without giving up core pieces like Young, Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, or Okongwu. Porzingis’ expiring contract ensures Atlanta avoids long-term financial burdens if the fit doesn’t work. With reported interest in facilitating trades this summer (per NBA insider Marc Stein), Atlanta’s cap flexibility makes them an ideal third party in blockbuster deals like this.
Why the Hawks Might Not Do This Trade
Porzingis’ injury history is a glaring concern. He’s battled health issues throughout his career and was visibly hobbled during Boston’s 2025 playoff run, raising questions about his availability. Atlanta has struggled with player durability in recent seasons, and banking on Porzingis to stay healthy is a gamble. Additionally, trading Bufkin, a talented but injury-prone first-rounder, could sting if he develops elsewhere. Fit is another question: can Porzingis mesh with Atlanta’s fast-paced, Trae Young-led system? The potential reward is high, but so is the risk.
Why the Celtics Do This Trade
Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the NBA’s top three players, is a franchise-altering move for Boston. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury, Giannis keeps the Celtics competitive in a weak Eastern Conference. Pairing him with Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser creates a formidable core, with Giannis as the centerpiece for a playoff push. When Tatum returns, a Giannis-Tatum-White trio could dominate the league. The addition of Kobe Bufkin, a high-upside young guard, and the No. 22 pick in 2025 provides assets for future flexibility. Shedding Porzingis and Holiday also helps Boston navigate the punitive second-apron restrictions, avoiding a frozen first-round pick in 2032 and other financial penalties.
Why the Celtics Might Not Do This Trade
Trading Jaylen Brown, a cornerstone of Boston’s 2024 championship and a beloved figure in the organization, is a tough sell. Brown’s two-way excellence and clutch playoff performances make him a near-ideal fit. Without Giannis, Boston could still be a playoff contender next season, leaning on Brown, White, and others. Giving up three first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2031) depletes Boston’s draft capital, which the organization has historically valued. Kyle Kuzma’s contract is also a negative asset, and his fit alongside Giannis and White is questionable. With Tatum’s injury making next season a likely wash for title contention, Boston might prefer to run it back rather than overhaul their roster.
Why the Bucks Do This Trade
For Milwaukee, trading Giannis Antetokounmpo is a painful but potentially necessary reset. The Bucks’ roster is depleted, with few young players or draft picks to leverage for upgrades. Jaylen Brown, an All-NBA caliber talent, is one of the best possible returns in a Giannis trade. Jrue Holiday, who helped Milwaukee win the 2021 title, returns to run the offense alongside Damian Lillard. The package of three first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2031) gives Milwaukee assets to either rebuild or flip for additional talent. Terance Mann and Georges Niang provide depth, and the Bucks gain flexibility to retool around Brown and Lillard for another championship push.
Why the Bucks Might Not Do This Trade
Trading Giannis, one of the greatest players in NBA history, to a rival like Boston is a tough pill to swallow. Brown is a star, but he’s not Giannis, and it’s unclear if he can be the best player on a championship team. Holiday’s $30M-plus contract at age 34 is a financial burden, and the draft picks—coming from a likely competitive Boston team—are unlikely to be high-value. Other teams, like the Thunder, Rockets, or Spurs, could potentially offer stronger packages with younger players or better picks. Milwaukee might also hold out hope that Giannis stays, especially if he hasn’t formally requested a trade.
The Bigger Picture
This trade is a fascinating thought experiment, highlighting the challenges and opportunities each team faces. For Atlanta, it’s about maximizing Trae Young’s prime while addressing roster holes. For Boston, it’s about staying elite without Tatum and navigating second-apron constraints. For Milwaukee, it’s about weighing a Giannis trade against a depleted roster’s limitations. The NBA’s new CBA and apron rules make three-team deals like this more likely, as teams creatively manage salaries and assets. While this trade is speculative, it underscores the high-stakes decisions awaiting these franchises this offseason.