Bill Simmons has shifted the narrative around Boston’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that could spell trouble for Miami.
The Heat have been seen as the frontrunners, with Antetokounmpo repeatedly linked to South Beach and the Bucks expected to resolve his future before the NBA Draft.
But Simmons now believes the Celtics may not be as far out of the race as he previously thought.
Bill Simmons says the Celtics are in on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Speaking on his podcast regarding Celtics trade talk, Simmons said Boston may be playing the situation quietly.
“I thought Boston was out of this. I know Boston was out of this. I was wondering if they were playing possum or not. I think they were playing a little possum. I think they are in on Giannis. I’m not recanting what I said before. I don’t know the reasons for it. Maybe they felt like Miami’s offer is an offer they could beat. Maybe they want to drive the price of Miami’s offer up and don’t really have interest in him.”
“Giannis is pushing for Miami or Boston. Those are the two locations, and he really wants to end up in Boston because he would have the best chance to win a title. Boston is not ruling out the idea is my intel. In general, I’m prepared for anything with Boston now.”
Celtics have reason to block Giannis Heat deal
Miami still looks like the cleanest fit if Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee. Reports have pointed to the Heat as a preferred Eastern Conference destination, with their competitive roster, market, and potential package matching several of his requirements.
That is exactly why Boston has an incentive to act. If Miami lands Antetokounmpo without overpaying, the Celtics could watch a direct East rival add a two-time MVP while their own title window gets more complicated.
Even if Boston does not complete the trade, forcing Miami to raise its offer would make sense.
Celtics Giannis packages start with Jaylen Brown
The cleanest Boston offer would begin with Jaylen Brown. A Brown-centered package could give Milwaukee an All-NBA-level replacement, salary matching and a headline return Miami cannot easily beat with Tyler Herro-led proposals.
A bigger version could include Brown, Anfernee Simons, a young player and draft compensation, depending on how far Boston wants to go.
The harder path is a non-Brown package built around Simons, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and picks. That keeps Brown with Jayson Tatum and Antetokounmpo, but it may not be enough unless Milwaukee values depth over one elite player.
That leaves Boston with a choice. They can watch Miami close in, make the Heat overpay, or take the biggest swing of the offseason themselves.
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