Giannis praises Mazzulla as Celtics buzz grows

Giannis Antetokounmpo has intensified talk of a potential summer move from Milwaukee to Boston after publicly praising Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla for steering a team that thrived despite Jayson Tatum’s long absence. While the Bucks collapsed to a 14–29 record without their 10‑time All‑Star, Giannis highlighted Boston’s resilience as a model of winning culture. He told the Journal‑Sentinel that Mazzulla “had every excuse available but never used one,” crediting the mentality he instilled in his roster.

League insiders, according to The Athletic, increasingly view the Celtics as a realistic landing spot for the two‑time MVP, especially with Milwaukee’s early playoff exit and reports of a strained relationship between Antetokounmpo and the organization. Several contenders — from Miami and Golden State to Minnesota, New York, Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio and the Lakers — are expected to revisit trade scenarios. Boston’s dilemma remains the cost: breaking up the Tatum‑Brown core or sacrificing its elite depth.