While multiple reports have linked the Celtics to Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two clubs have not yet had direct trade talks regarding the two-time MVP, a league source tells Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com (Twitter link).
Bulpett acknowledges the situation is “fluid,” and suggests if Antetokounmpo does get traded from Milwaukee, it’s considered “increasingly likely” to be a multi-team deal.
The Celtics reportedly expressed a level of interest in Antetokounmpo ahead of the February trade deadline, though it’s unclear how serious those conversations were.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- Jay King of The Athletic answers several Celtics-related questions in a mailbag, including possible free agent targets at center or big men they might consider acquiring using their $27.7MM traded player exception. King likes the idea of pursuing either Mitchell Robinson or Robert Williams III using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception rather than using the TPE on a center already under contract for multiple seasons. As King notes, Robinson seems likely to command a long-term agreement, while ex-Celtic Williams would presumably be a little cheaper and perhaps more amenable to a short-term deal.
- While Justin Edwards showed some promising flashes in his second season, the Sixers wing failed to establish himself as a rotation fixture going forward, per Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice. Aaronson reviews Edwards’ 2025/26 season, writing that head coach Nick Nurse is a strong supporter of the 22-year-old despite his playing time dropping considerably in year two. Becoming a more consistent three-point shooter, pulling down more defensive rebounds, and improving on defense should be goals for Edwards this offseason, Aaronson adds.
- How would Keaton Wagler fit with the Nets if they select him sixth overall in next month’s draft? Brian Lewis of The New York Post explores that question in a subscriber-only story, noting that Wagler has been widely mocked to the Clippers at No. 5 due to his positional size as a 6’6″ guard. The 19-year-old was a relatively unheralded recruit, ranking outside the top 150 entering college, but quickly rose up draft boards in 2025/26 after an excellent freshman season at Illinois, Lewis writes. Wagler is lauded for his quick decision-making, versatility and ability to change speeds, but he’s not the most explosive athlete and didn’t record a single dunk last season, a rarity for a draft prospect at his size, Lewis adds. “I mean, I’ve heard it my whole life, that I’m not the most athletic, not the fastest,” Wagler said. “I think all last year I showed that you don’t have to be the most athletic to score the ball or be a really good player. And that’s kind of what I did. I just find different ways to use my body, even though I’m not the strongest, but being the aggressor, using my pace [of play] and then getting into the lane.”