Who Would the Boston Celtics Have to Sacrifice to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo? A Hypothetical Analysis of an NBA-Shaking Trade
In a hypothetical scenario currently sending shockwaves through the NBA, the Boston Celtics might be plotting a blockbuster move to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo—the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP—to TD Garden. As of March 10, 2026, during a heating-up offseason, let’s analyze how this trade could unfold, who the Celtics would have to sacrifice, and the impact on both teams and the league.
Context: Why Could a Giannis Trade Happen? The Milwaukee Bucks struggled significantly in the 2025-26 season with a 27-36 record, and rumors regarding Giannis’s future have never been hotter. Teammate Bobby Portis only rated the likelihood of Giannis staying at 5/10, and the Bucks may have to consider a trade if he refuses an extension. The Celtics, at 43-20 and ranked 2nd in the East, need another superstar to bolster their frontcourt—especially following Jayson Tatum’s injury and the loss of Kristaps Porziņģis. Giannis, at 31, remains in his prime averaging 30+ PPG and 11+ RPG with elite defense, making him a perfect fit alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Hypothetical Trade: Who Do the Celtics Give Up? To match Giannis’s approximately $54M salary, the Celtics must send out an equivalent salary package. Based on the current roster, here is a viable trade scenario:
Celtics receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks receive: Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, and two future 1st-round picks (2027 and 2029, top-5 protected).
Breakdown of the Assets:
Jaylen Brown ($53M): The biggest loss. The 2024 Finals MVP averaged 29 PPG this season but is the primary piece to match salaries. The Bucks would get an elite two-way wing to rebuild around Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis.
Derrick White ($28M): The “connector” with 17 PPG, 5.7 APG, and top-5 impact defense. Celtics must sacrifice him to balance the salary and add value for Milwaukee.
Baylor Scheierman: A rookie shooter with 15 PPG potential off the bench, serving as a young developmental piece for the Bucks.
Two 1st-Round Picks: Necessary assets for a Bucks rebuild.
Impact on the Celtics: Superteam or Risk?
Pros: A Giannis + Tatum duo would be terrifying. Giannis dominates the paint while Tatum provides spacing. The defense would remain elite.
Cons: Losing Brown and White guts their depth and secondary playmaking. Giannis is 31 with an injury history; the cap space will also be extremely tight.
Impact on the Bucks: Rebuild or Contend?
Pros: Instantly gain two starters to pair with Lillard, Myles Turner, and Kyle Kuzma. The picks help a quick rebuild.
Cons: Losing the soul of the franchise could cause a fan backlash and confirm a full-scale rebuild.
The NBA Verdict: This would be the biggest news of the 2026 offseason, shifting the power balance of the Eastern Conference. While critics might cry “superteam,” fans would witness legendary matchups.
Celtics fans, would you trade Brown and White for Giannis? Dream superteam or too high a price? Comment below!