"Good Luck": Doc Rivers Gets Honest About Giannis Antetokounmpo & Celtics Trade Rumors

The day Giannis Antetokounmpo finally suits up for an NBA team other than the Milwaukee Bucks appears to be drawing closer. And as the speculation continues to grow, the gap between teams merely linked to him and those with a legitimate chance of landing him is becoming increasingly clear.

The Boston Celtics are clearly a part of the latter, with the type of asset or assets they have on the table. In that regard, a person with ties to both the Celtics and to Giannis has shared his opinion. Doc Rivers was the coach of the 2008 Boston Celtics squad that won the NBA Title. He was also the coach in Milwaukee for the past three seasons.

Being the Bucks' latest head coach gives him valuable insight into the Greek Freak. He shared those insights with Bill Simmons after he asked what Boston would be getting if they won the Giannis sweepstakes.

"You're getting a rejuvenated, healthy Giannis. I also think this will be his first time in four years not having European basketball," Rivers said.

"He's so motivated. It's not like he's not always, but he's just motivated. He wants to win another title," the former head coach added. "He doesn't talk a lot about his play. He talks about winning."

When asked which team would be the right fit, Rivers simply said Giannis needs to play with a closer, which is where Jayson Tatum comes in. And if that pairing comes true, Rivers has a simple message for opposing teams: "Good luck."

The Boston Celtics are reportedly willing to part with Jaylen Brown in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. On paper, it makes plenty of sense, especially considering Brown proved he could carry the Celtics during Jayson Tatum's absence while the latter recovered from an Achilles injury.

However, the Bucks are reportedly not interested in building around Brown if they decide to move on from Giannis.

What Are the Milwaukee Bucks Seeking in Return for Giannis Antetokounmpo?

The Milwaukee Bucks know that they have to focus on rebuilding after Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded. That's a fact of life for them, even though they have the 10th pick in the upcoming draft.

To help accelerate that process, they want to get young talent and multiple draft assets. That's why Brown does not fit their goals.

Brown is an All-NBA caliber talent who is coming off his best season yet. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He spent the majority of the season as the main man in the Celtics' locker room, which shows he can keep the Bucks competitive in the East for now. However, it must be kept in mind that he is set to turn 30 in December

That does not mean the Bucks won't take him in a trade; it just means they'll likely immediately flip him for the assets they want. That's why rumors also suggest a third team might be involved to make the process easier.

In that regard, the trade package that the Miami Heat are rumored to be offering seems more attractive.

Two blue-chip prospects are part of their projected offer in 22-year-old Kel'el Ware and 25-year-old Jaime Jaquez Jr. Additionally, the Heat is also willing to include 2022 6th Man of the Year and 2025 All-Star Tyler Herro, who is only 26 years old.

The Heat could also include multiple future first-round draft picks, including the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Another advantage for the Heat is that they are rumored to be Giannis' preferred destination.