NBA rumors: Bill Simmons declares Celtics will make Giannis Antetokounmpo trade after submitting offer

Offseason trade rumors surrounding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo have taken a dramatic turn, with the Boston Celtics emerging as a legitimate contender, challenging the long-presumed favorites, the Miami Heat. Reports from The Athletic indicate that Boston’s pursuit hinges on a crucial factor: Antetokounmpo’s willingness to sign a four-year, $275 million extension upon joining the team.

If the multi-time MVP commits to this long-term deal, league sources suggest that the Celtics could put together a blockbuster trade, potentially centered around All-Star forward Jaylen Brown, to help jumpstart Milwaukee’s rebuilding process.

This high-stakes scenario gained credibility thanks to media personality Bill Simmons. On his podcast, Simmons turned the previous narrative on its head, which suggested that Boston would abstain from the bidding.

Bill Simmons on Giannis to the Boston Celtics:

: @BillSimmons

“I think they dove in. From what I heard they made an offer.”

Added later in the podcast he thinks the Celtics will get Giannis and it will happen next week. pic.twitter.com/jNWDhPjW5a

— Savage (@Savageboston) June 14, 2026

He confidently declared that the Celtics are already engaged in the pursuit, stating, “I think they dove in. From what I heard, they made an offer,” which took rival front offices by surprise. Instead of viewing this interest as a mere leverage tactic to increase Miami’s asking price, Simmons asserted that the Celtics are actively involved. He boldly predicted that the Celtics would succeed in acquiring the superstar forward, anticipating that the monumental trade could be finalized as early as next week.

An additional factor in this competitive landscape is the appeal of pairing Antetokounmpo with Jayson Tatum. Although Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that Boston’s front office has not yet engaged in meaningful trade talks regarding Brown, rival executives remain concerned.

Notably, Antetokounmpo shares a skills coach, Drew Hanlen, with Tatum and has expressed a fondness for Boston’s championship-winning culture. Joining forces with Tatum presents an enticing opportunity for securing a second championship banner, transforming the theoretical trade pursuit into a formidable pairing within the Eastern Conference.

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