ESPN’s Brian Windhorst spoke with CLNS Media’s and CelticsBlog’s Bobby Manning about the Celtics offseason and where everything stands with this summer’s most intriguing possibility.
On the Celtics potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Windhorst said, “the big question the Celtics would have is Giannis prepared to sign an extension in Boston? I don’t know the answer. Also, do you feel good about signing a guy that, I would say, has had chronic injuries to a $275 million contract when he is in his
thirties. Does everyone feel good about that?”
“I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis’ list,” he continued. “I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign an extension with Boston. So frankly, the Jaylen Brown part is moot to me.”
When asked about the Celtics ability to get back to the Finals, Windhorst said, “I thought Boston was going to win the East this year. They looked great. They’re not that far.”
“I think everybody would agree they need more big-man depth. Do you believe that Queta is your franchise center? Do you honestly look yourself in the mirror and (ask), ‘can you beat Karl (-Anthony) Towns, can you beat Victor Wembanyama (in a series)’ because that’s the standard. Maybe they believe he can, I’m not saying he can’t but that’s the question they need have to consider.”
Windy also went on to talk about the ways the Celtics can use the $27 million trade exception they got in the Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic trade in February.
“The Simons trade exception is a big asset. Team’s are going to be looking to get off contracts, that’s where we are in the apron era and the Celtics have decent control of their first round picks. They have those things two things to add a nice player. That’s probably at the front of mind.”
“Now if they get a call from Giannis’ agent in ten days and says he wants to be a Celtic, then let’s have a different conversation,” Windy continued. “Until I hear about that, I think they should focus on using the Simons trade exception and hitting on their draft pick.”
