NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Suitor Emerges Amid Celtics Speculation

Celtics fans’ dream of seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo in Boston took an odd turn Sunday.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last month that Antetokounmpo explored his best fits outside of the Milwaukee Bucks. Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury led to speculation among fans that the Celtics fit that description.

There aren’t any concrete suitors. However, the Toronto Star’s Doug Smith dropped a bombshell Sunday when he reported that there was “mutual interest” between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors on a partnership.

Of course, there’s the question of what Toronto would give up to satisfy Milwaukee. But the bigger question is why Antetokounmpo would want to join a franchise that hasn’t come close to its championship height from the 2018-19 season.

It’s obvious the Raptors would want to try to regain their relevance in the NBA. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on “The Hoop Collective” on Sunday that Toronto would try to acquire a “big fish” this offseason. Again, it makes sense that this is something president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri would try to do since he pulled the strings on the Kawhi Leonard trade that led to the franchise’s first NBA championship.

But Antetokounmpo’s desire didn’t add up for NBA fans. The Raptors report might strengthen Celtics fans’ desires to come up with trade ideas to help keep Boston’s title window open while Tatum recovers from his Achilles injury.