The Boston Celtics just might be toying with the Miami Heat when it comes to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes.
For weeks, itâs been feeling like Antetokounmpo will be moving down to South Florida to continue his legendary playing career. Now, the prominent NBA podcaster and insider Bill Simmons is making it clear that the Boston Celtics are staying involved with an unknown motive.
Miami Heat Get Alarming Update From Celtics Amid Giannis Pursuit
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 07, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Bill Simmons seemed sure that the Celtics werenât going to truly get involved in the Giannis business back in May. On June 11, The Ringer podcaster changed his tune.
âGiannis is pushing for Miami or Boston. Those are the two locations and really wants to end up in Boston because he would have the best chance to win a title,â Simmons said, according to MassLive.
âBoston is not ruling out the idea is my intel. In general, Iâm prepared for anything with Boston now.â
Simmons once again admitted that he thought the Celtics âwere out of this.â Now, heâs simply questioning why the Celtics are suddenly popping up again.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Team World looks on before the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Is the interest real? Thatâs questionable. If it is, the Celtics certainly have the better path to winning now over the Miami Heat. Not only did the Celtics win the NBA Finals less than three seasons ago, but they just finished as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference before a disappointing playoff exit.
âI donât know the reasons for it,â Simmons admitted. âMaybe they felt like Miamiâs offer is an offer they could beat. Maybe they want to drive the price of Miamiâs offer up and donât really have interest in him.â
Should The Heat Panic?
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: Pat Riley speaks to media at Kaseya Center on February 09, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Miami has been in this position before.
In the past, the Heat looked like the favorites to land a superstar on the block before ultimately losing out to a dark horse candidate.
While the rumors might cause paranoia, the Heat probably shouldnât panic. If Antetokounmpo truly wants to end up in Miami, thatâs where the Bucks will send him.
Miami would already be giving up a notable trade package without having the guarantee of a championship-ready roster. Responding to the Boston bluff by giving up more will just hurt the Heat in the long run.
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