Celtics rumors: Bill Simmons ‘not sure’ Boston even wants Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

NBA analyst Bill Simmons expressed skepticism about whether the Boston Celtics would fully pursue a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo despite believing the Milwaukee Bucks superstar could have interest in joining the franchise.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons suggested there may be differing levels of interest between Antetokounmpo and Boston as speculation surrounding the two-time MVP continues to intensify entering the offseason.

“I think Giannis wants to go to Boston and I’m not sure Boston wants Giannis,” Simmons said. “I think that’s the push and pull right now.”

Co-host Rob Mahoney later asked Simmons to elaborate on why he believed Antetokounmpo would be interested in Boston if the opportunity became available.

“I just think he does,” Simmons said. “I think he wants to stay in the East. I think a certain guy on the Celtics has the same shooting coach as him. I think there’s a lot of respect for the organization. I just think that would be a team he would be interested in.”

Simmons also linked the Miami Heat to the growing speculation around Antetokounmpo, noting that Miami has frequently been viewed as a potential destination for the Bucks star.

“I also think Miami is another team he would want to go to,” Simmons said.

Bill Simmons casts doubt on Celtics’ pursuit of Giannis amid Heat trade interest

The Heat have repeatedly surfaced in league speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo because of the organization’s winning culture, Eastern Conference location and history of attracting superstar talent.

Meanwhile, the Celtics enter a pivotal offseason following a disappointing playoff collapse. Boston squandered a 3-1 first-round series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers, leading to renewed questions about the team’s long-term roster construction and championship ceiling.

Any potential pursuit of Antetokounmpo would likely require Boston to part with significant assets and potentially alter the foundation of its current core. The Celtics remain one of the league’s most talented rosters on paper, but Simmons’ comments suggest there may be hesitation internally about making a franchise-altering move.

Antetokounmpo continues to sit at the center of offseason speculation after Milwaukee failed to reach the postseason and underwent organizational changes, including the hiring of Taylor Jenkins following the departure of Doc Rivers.

While there is no indication a trade request is imminent, teams across the league continue to monitor the situation closely as the offseason approaches.

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