Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Celtics trade target, is defended by Boston's Jaylen Brown

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is defended by Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during a game at Fiserv Forum on Nov. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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Celtics Land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Send Jaylen Brown To Warriors In Blockbuster Proposal

James PierceyJune 3, 2026 9:01 PMJune 3, 2026 9:01 PM

DHJ Quick Take: Celtics Land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Send Jaylen Brown to Warriors in Blockbuster Proposal

This hypothetical three-team blockbuster would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown to the Golden State Warriors, pairing Antetokounmpo with Jayson Tatum after a first-round exit. Here is the case for why all three sides could sign off.

What is the proposed trade? The Celtics land Antetokounmpo, the Warriors get Jaylen Brown and Kyle Kuzma, and the Milwaukee Bucks receive a package built around Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and four picks and swaps.
Why would the Celtics trade Jaylen Brown? Swapping one star for a bigger one lets Boston pair Antetokounmpo with Tatum and Derrick White, and a first-round exit gives them reason to swing big.
Why would the Warriors want Jaylen Brown? Brown is a cleaner, cheaper fit next to Stephen Curry than Antetokounmpo would be, letting Golden State upgrade without gutting its future.
Why would the Bucks accept? With an impetus to move Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee could view a young piece in Podziemski plus draft capital as a substantial return.

An NBA team can find a lot of success by building around the right duo. Just ask the Boston Celtics.

For some time, there was talk of splitting up Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. When they won an NBA title together, they put those talks to rest. Didn’t they?

It depends. The Celtics won’t be eager to break up their duo. That said, if an MVP candidate hit the market, they could make a bold decision.

Could they acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer?

The Trade Proposal

Golden State Warriors receive:

Jaylen Brown
Kyle Kuzma

Milwaukee Bucks receive:

Jimmy Butler
Moses Moody
Brandin Podziemski
2027 first-round pick (GSW)
2030 first-round pick (BOS swap)
2031 first-round pick (BOS)
2032 first-round pick (BOS swap)

Boston Celtics receive:

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Why the Golden State Warriors Do the Deal

The Celtics are only the latest team to be linked to Antetokounmpo. The Warriors have been as well. Could they be satisfied with Brown instead?

He’ll cost less. The Warriors are giving up two solid young players and a first-round pick here. They’d give up more for Antetokounmpo. By playing the third party, they’re upgrading their roster without gutting their future.

Besides, Brown should be a strong fit. We’ve seen shot makers thrive in the space Stephen Curry provides, and we’ve seen Curry succeed next to a 3-and-D guard. Brown fits both descriptions.

Should the Celtics give him up?

Why the Boston Celtics Do the Deal

Well, they’re getting Giannis Antetokounmpo. So, the answer is probably yes.

If the Bucks wanted Tatum, the Celtics should hang up the phone. At 28, he still has too many good years left. Moreover, it’s simply bad optics to deal a franchise player after winning an NBA title unless they’ve requested a trade.

Pairing Tatum, Antetokounmpo, and Derrick White should make the Celtics the best team in the East. Realistically, they may already hold that crown. A deep playoff run might have convinced Boston to stand pat, but a first-round exit points the other way. That makes the Celtics a candidate to pursue Antetokounmpo:

Assuming the Bucks are even shopping him.

Why the Milwaukee Bucks Do the Deal

Simply put, the Bucks should send Antetokounmpo to the highest bidder.

Perhaps this offer doesn’t get it done. That said, the relentless drama between the player and organization here could impact the trade market. The Bucks have an impetus to trade Antetokounmpo. Teams will try to exploit that.

In that context, this is still a substantial return. Brandin Podziemski has flashed star potential, and Moses Moody is already a solid rotation piece. Throw in two unprotected firsts and two swaps, and this could be enough for the Bucks.

The Bigger Picture

The NBA is a star-driven league. Assembling a star duo tends to be the quickest route to success.

It worked for Golden State for years. Curry and Kevin Durant dominated the league. It worked for the Celtics as well.

The Bucks did it differently. They surrounded Antetokounmpo with complementary players. It resulted in an NBA title, but now, it seems like those times have passed.

Perhaps it’s time for Antetokounmpo to be part of a star duo.