The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly had a chance to acquire Jaylen Brown as part of a blockbuster package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but concerns from ownership ultimately helped steer the franchise toward a deal with the Miami Heat instead.
Boston emerged as one of the finalists in the race to land Antetokounmpo before Milwaukee agreed to send the two-time MVP to Miami in one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
The Celtics were reportedly willing to part with 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in an effort to get a deal over the line, but new reporting has revealed why the Bucks were not convinced.
Jimmy Haslam reportedly had one major concern about Jaylen Brown
According to NBA journalist Kevin O’Connor, Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam played a significant role in Milwaukee’s decision as the franchise weighed competing offers for Antetokounmpo.
Boston’s proposal reportedly featured Brown and two first-round picks, giving the Bucks an immediate star to build around after moving on from the face of the franchise.
However, O’Connor reported that Haslam was reluctant to take that route because of concerns over Brown’s long-term future in Milwaukee.
After recently dealing with trade demands involving Antetokounmpo and Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, Haslam reportedly did not want to risk finding himself in a similar position again a year down the line.
That concern appears to have become one of the defining factors in Milwaukee’s evaluation of the Celtics’ offer.
Why the Miami Heat package appealed more to Milwaukee
While Brown was arguably the biggest individual asset available in either proposal, O’Connor reported that Haslam preferred the certainty provided by Miami’s package.
The Heat ultimately sent Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, multiple first-round picks, a pick swap and additional draft compensation to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
Rather than betting heavily on one established star, the Bucks secured a broader collection of young players and future assets that could help shape the franchise for years to come.
O’Connor reported that Milwaukee believed Miami’s proposal offered more certainty and more overall value, helping explain why the Bucks chose the Heat’s deal despite Boston’s willingness to include Brown.
The decision ultimately sent Antetokounmpo to Miami and ended Boston’s pursuit, while revealing that Milwaukee’s concerns extended beyond talent alone when evaluating the Jaylen Brown-led package.
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