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Boston Celtics’ failed Jaylen Brown package for Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed
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- Boston Celtics’ failed Jaylen Brown package for Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
The Boston Celtics came closer than many realized to landing Giannis Antetokounmpo before the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately agreed to send the two-time MVP to the Miami Heat .
Antetokounmpo's blockbuster move to Miami ended one of the biggest trade sagas in recent NBA history, but new details from ESPN's Shams Charania have revealed just how aggressive Boston was in its pursuit of the Bucks superstar.
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The Celtics were reportedly one of the final teams in the running, and they were willing to part with one of the biggest names on their roster in an attempt to get a deal done.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Boston Celtics were prepared to move Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Charania , the Celtics were one of two finalists in negotiations with Milwaukee, alongside the Heat, while both teams were also among Antetokounmpo's preferred destinations.
Boston's interest was not a recent development either. The Celtics registered interest in Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline in February and returned this summer determined to make another push.
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That pursuit eventually led Boston to put together a package centered around one of the franchise's cornerstones.
Charania revealed the Celtics aggressively pursued Antetokounmpo and offered Milwaukee a deal featuring 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown along with two first-round picks.
The revelation highlights just how serious Boston was about pairing Antetokounmpo with Jayson Tatum , even if it meant moving a player who played a crucial role in delivering the franchise's most recent championship.
Why Milwaukee ultimately chose Miami instead
Despite Boston's willingness to include Brown, Milwaukee ultimately completed a deal with Miami, sending Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to South Beach in one of the biggest trades in league history.
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The Heat's package included Tyler Herro , Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. , Kasparas Jakucionis , multiple first-round picks, a pick swap and additional draft compensation.
While the Celtics fell short, Charania's reporting makes it clear they pushed harder than many expected and came remarkably close to pulling off one of the most stunning trades the NBA has ever seen.
Instead, Antetokounmpo is headed to Miami, while Boston is left wondering what might have been had their Jaylen Brown package been enough to convince Milwaukee.
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