ESPN Thinks Celtics Should Only Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo Under One Condition originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics have emerged as a contender to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.
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On Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Bucks are expected to ask Antetokounmpo to sign an extension this summer, and he will say no. With one year left on his deal, the Bucks will have virtually no other choice but to trade him. Charania also revealed that the Celtics tried to get him before the trade deadline.
It's safe to assume that the Celtics will still be interested if he is made available this summer. However, ESPN's Bobby Marks thinks they should only acquire Antetokounmpo if he is sure to sign an extension.
"Would the Celtics spit up Tatum or Brown if there is no assurance Antetokounmpo will extend his deal during the regular season?" Marks wrote on Thursday. "The answer should be a hard no considering Brown and Tatum have at least three years remaining on their contracts."
Marks has a great point. Imagine if the Celtics acquired him, just to have to fight with the rest of the open market to retain him a year later. If Antetokounmpo is not going to sign an extension with the Celtics, they run the risk of splitting up Brown and Tatum for just one year of Antetokounmpo.
Brown would seemingly have to be dealt to land Antetokounmpo. He and Tatum have led the Celtics to two NBA Finals and won a championship together. However, after a first-round exit, change could be coming, and Antetokounmpo checks plenty of boxes.
After the season ended, Brad Stevens said he thinks the Celtics need to find a way to make a bigger impact at the rim and that they need to add to the team to do that. Well, Antetokounmpo would certainly improve the impact the Celtics make at the rim.
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