Insider Reveals Reasoning Behind Bucks Choosing Heat Over Celtics originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat were the two finalists for Giannis Antetokounmpo in his trade sweepstakes, and the Milwaukee Bucks sent him to Miami on Monday night.
The Heat gave up Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and one second-round pick in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Celtics offered a package featuring Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks.
With the Celtics' offer, the Bucks could have had a superstar player in Brown and perhaps remained relevant next season, while also adding two first-round picks. However, with the Heat's offer, they get another lottery pick for Tuesday night and some young players. NBA insider Shams Charania explained the reasoning behind the Bucks accepting the Heat's offer.
“The Bucks chose the Heat's offer in order to bring more flexibility and big-picture approach with controlled contracts and long-term competitiveness for new coach Taylor Jenkins to imagine the next generation of Milwaukee -- versus a veteran, win-now superstar player-led package that places the immediate focus on the present. Horst and Heat general manager Andy Elisburg finalized the agreement on Monday night.”