Photo: Peter Baba

The race for Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be narrowing as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, but one veteran NBA reporter does not believe the Boston Celtics are the most likely landing spot.

Speaking on NBC Sports on Tuesday, Gary Washburn said league chatter suggests Boston remains interested in exploring a deal for Antetokounmpo but faces significant obstacles that make a trade unlikely.

“I don’t think [Giannis] is going to be a Celtic,” Washburn said. “That’s just from what I’m hearing.”

The comments arrive as speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future continues to intensify. The Milwaukee Bucks finished 32-50 in the 2025-26 season and missed the playoffs, a dramatic fall for a franchise built around the two-time MVP. Milwaukee now owns the No. 10 pick in next week’s NBA Draft and is weighing its options as trade discussions around Antetokounmpo gain momentum.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have emerged as the two teams most frequently linked to Antetokounmpo in recent league conversations. Windhorst reported that talks have intensified over the past seven to 10 days and that Miami has become the player’s preferred destination.

Washburn echoed that belief, suggesting the Heat currently possess an advantage over Boston.

“I do think Miami has the edge on this,” Washburn said. “I do think Boston is kinda sniffing around.”

For Boston, the challenge begins with constructing a package that satisfies Milwaukee while maintaining championship-level talent. The Celtics finished 56-26 this season, second in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated by Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs despite holding home-court advantage.

Any realistic pursuit of Antetokounmpo would likely require the Celtics to consider moving either Jaylen Brown or key pieces from their championship core. Washburn specifically referenced Boston’s evaluation of whether it is willing to part with Brown in a blockbuster transaction.

That aligns with Windhorst’s reporting that a Celtics deal would force the organization to reconsider the foundation that has produced sustained success around Brown and Jayson Tatum. Beyond the talent cost, adding Antetokounmpo would require a significant restructuring of Boston’s roster-building model and style of play.

Another complication is the likelihood of a multi-team trade. Washburn indicated that a third franchise would probably be necessary to balance salaries, draft compensation and roster assets.

“What is exactly Milwaukee looking for? Who is the third team involved?” Washburn said. “Because it’s gonna have to be a third team involved.”

Timing may ultimately prove critical. Washburn believes movement could occur before the June 23-24 NBA Draft, when teams gain additional flexibility through draft-pick transactions. Miami owns the No. 13 selection, while Boston controls the No. 27 pick, assets that could become part of larger negotiations.

Despite increasing league-wide anticipation of a resolution, Antetokounmpo remains under contract with Milwaukee, leaving the Bucks in control of the process. That reality continues to give the organization leverage as interested teams attempt to assemble offers capable of convincing Milwaukee to move the franchise cornerstone.