Is Giannis Antetokounmpo really worth it? An insider believes the Boston Celtics have a shot at getting Joel Embiid, who has better stats. This comes as Joe Mazzulla and co may not be aggressively chasing the Greek Freak just yet, but league insiders believe the idea is far from unrealistic following the team’s disappointing 2026 playoff exit.
Embiid, who has been battling injuries in the recent weeks, came back to the court to rescue the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Conference Semifinals. At the point of writing this story, the Sixers were trailing 57-81 at halftime. Embiid returned with a sprained right ankle and a sore right hip that cost him one game to try and make the Eastern Conference semifinals. He scored 18 points and was the only one of the Sixers' vaunted Big Three to shoot a free throw while Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to a 108-94 win on Friday night for a 3-0 series lead.
Boston’s season ended earlier than expected despite another strong year from the 'Jays' - Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown - leaving questions about whether the franchise should continue building around its current core or pursue a transformational superstar move. According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, Boston’s situation differs from teams like Dallas or Houston because the Celtics’ championship timeline aligns more closely with Giannis’.
Windhorst questioned whether the Milwaukee Bucks superstar actually fits Boston’s identity under Mazzulla. The Celtics have built one of the NBA’s most aggressive three-point offenses over the last several seasons, consistently ranking among league leaders in attempts and makes from beyond the arc. Giannis, however, remains a limited perimeter shooter with a career 28.5% mark from three-point range.
Windhorst even floated an unexpected comparison involving Joel Embiid. “Because if you’re still going to shoot the three, you’re not trading for Giannis. The guy doesn’t shoot threes. If you believe in your 40%, you’re going to accept your 40%. You’re going to shoot the three next year, you’re not trading for Giannis,” Windy added.
The Celtics’ financial situation complicates blockbuster dreams. A potential Giannis trade would also force Boston into an extremely complicated salary-cap situation. The Greek star is scheduled to earn roughly $58.4 million during the 2026-27 season and could become eligible for a massive $275 million extension later this year.
