3 Giannis Antetokounmpo trade targets that would scare the Celtics

Last year the Boston Celtics were dominant. No one stood in their way as they rolled through the playoffs, going 16-3 en route to Banner 18. And now they’re ready to strike back with a nearly identical squad. Teams like the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks will stand in their way, but Giannis Antetokounmpo knows how difficult things are for his team.

During a recent exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Antetokounmpo joked with a Bucks employee that if they fail this year, they will be fired. “If we don’t win this year, would you be fired?” Antetokounmpo asked his colleague with a wry smile, as Amick reported. “Do you have that in the back of your mind: ‘(What) if this year doesn’t go well?’ Yes, if we don’t win a championship, I could be replaced. Yes, that is the job we live for. This is the world we live in. This affects everyone.”

Apparently Antetokounmpo was joking. But there is a bit of truth in every joke. And if the Bucks come up short again this year, could they actually consider trading Antetokounmpo? Perhaps. If he demands a move.

If that happens, here are three Antetokounmpo landing spots that would be disastrous for the Celtics.

The Celtics have a history with the Miami Heat. They have been to the Eastern Conference Finals in three of the last five years, and the Heat have the advantage in those series. If Antetokounmpo were to join them, it would make them even scarier.

Miami may not have the resources to make a move, but they will definitely be interested. And the interest would probably be mutual. If the Heat sent out Tyler Herro, other young players and all of their picks, maybe the Bucks would consider biting.

A Big 3 of Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would immediately become a title contender that could compete with the Celtics in the East.

Like the Heat, the New York Knicks may not have the resources to trade for Antetokounmpo since they traded most of them for Mikal Bridges, but they would definitely throw their hat in the ring. And perhaps Antetokounmpo wants to play in one of the biggest sports markets.

Jalen Brunson and Antetokounmpo alone would make the Knicks a top contender in the East. If they can keep one (or two) of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges or OG Anununoby in the deal, their roster would be on par with Boston’s.

Seeing Antetokounmpo in blue and orange would be enough to scare Celtics fans.

This is an odd selection, but the Indiana Pacers are already playing super well against the Celtics. If they had Antetokounmpo on their team, they could be an even bigger nightmare for Boston.

A roster with Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam would be a lot of fun, and the Pacers’ up-tempo style would give the Greek Freak plenty of fastbreaks.

Antetokounmpo would travel to another small market near Milwaukee and form one of the most unique lineups in the league. And it would definitely be enough to give the Celtics pause for a moment.