The Boston Celtics are in the market for Giannis Antetokounmpo? Fine. Just don't trade Jaylen Brown to make it happen.
It might be a pipe dream, but if the Celtics are serious about acquiring the Milwaukee Bucks star (which, maybe they should be after their first-round playoff collapse less than a couple of months ago), then they need to figure out a way to pair him with Brown (and Jayson Tatum). Don't replace one with the other.
Brown and Tatum are an established championship-winning duo who are both in the midst of their primes. Antetokounmpo is technically an upgrade over Brown, but he's also two years older, has growing injury concerns, can't shoot, and probably only has about two or three years of top-tier basketball left in him.
Making such a deal happen won't be easy, but it can be done. Otherwise, Boston shouldn't even consider making a deal for Antetokounmpo.
Celtics should only trade for Giannis if Jaylen Brown isn't involved
In order for Boston to acquire the two-time MVP without giving up Brown, it would likely have to be a package centered around Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard (assuming Milwaukee would take that, obviously).
While moving on from them wouldn't be a very popular move in Boston, it might be necessary. To get something, you have to give something. Plus, there could be some concerns that come up if the Celtics keep each of them for a little too long (White is about to be 32 years old and is fresh off the least efficient season of his career, Boston might be better off moving on from Hauser and his contract anyway, and Payton Pritchard's playoff inconsistencies haven't gone away).
And even though we're not really in the "Big Three" era anymore and it's all about having depth now, you can't lie and tell me the thought of having Tatum, Brown, and Antetokounmpo all on the same team wouldn't be incredibly enticing, especially because "the Greek Freak" can play every position (including center, which the Celtics desperately need).
Adding Antetokounmpo to this core would give Boston a ton of options on both sides of the ball, and it could also prolong his career since he wouldn't be running a one-man show anymore.
The Jays play well off each other, and being able to add an elite rim protector, paint scorer, and playmaker to the mix should only help their dynamic. Obviously, it would cost the Celtics a pretty penny. But hey, it's not my money! I just care if the team is successful, which, in this case, I have a hard time believing they wouldn't be.
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