The Boston Celtics have been heavily linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo since the season ended. If that pursuit stalls, Boston has a credible alternative already in focus: a $112 million forward from the New Orleans Pelicans who fits the Celtics’ existing core without requiring a roster overhaul.
Senior NBA writer Sam Amick published a detailed breakdown for The Athletic on Friday covering the latest in the Antetokounmpo trade saga, including potential landing spots, trade packages, and Boston’s contingency options.
“By all accounts, Boston could forge ahead with the Brown–Jayson Tatum dynamic duo and look for other ways to upgrade the frontcourt. To that end, league sources say the Celtics are among the many teams with interest in the New Orleans Pelicans‘ Trey Murphy III (if they don’t land Antetokounmpo).”
The Celtics currently hold three future first-round picks available for trade. On the contract side, sharpshooter Sam Hauser is earning $10.8 million next season and could be moved. Guard Payton Pritchard, at just $7.8 million in 2026, carries a team-friendly deal Boston may prefer to keep. Murphy, who signed a four-year, $112 million extension, is set to earn $27 million next season. A package built around Hauser, draft picks, and young assets represents the most realistic path to acquiring Murphy from New Orleans.
If Boston completes that deal without moving Derrick White, the projected 2026-27 starting five becomes one of the Eastern Conference’s most complete units. White anchors the backcourt. Jaylen Brown and Tatum operate on the wing. Murphy, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals last season on 47% from the field and 37.9% from three, adds size, shooting, and defensive versatility that directly complements both stars.
Neemias Queta is currently projected to start at center, though Boston has time to address that position further. With Pritchard coming off the bench, this roster carries minimal structural weaknesses.
The Celtics demonstrated last season that they can compete at a high level even without Tatum for a significant stretch. A healthy group entering 2026, a strengthened bench, and built-in chemistry make them a legitimate Eastern Conference contender regardless of the Antetokounmpo outcome. If the Bucks choose to hold, Boston’s fallback is far from a consolation prize. Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage of the NBA offseason as the Celtics’ roster picture develops.
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