What Latest Celtics-Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Mean For Jaylen Brown

What Latest Celtics-Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Mean For Jaylen Brown originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>Celtics insider Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com reported Friday that there had been "no direct talks" between Boston and the Milwaukee Bucks amid the swirling Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors.

>Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky of Hardwood Houdini assessed what the latest update could mean for the future of All-Star guard Jaylen Brown on Saturday.

>"Boston may have already decided it is not breaking up its franchise cornerstones of Brown and Jayson Tatum. Not announcing that publicly because of its potential impact on how much a competitor has to give up to acquire Antetokounmpo is understandable. However, if the organization hasn't told Brown that, it's in its best interest to do so," Krivitsky wrote, noting that Friday's update could "absolutely" mean that Brown is staying in Boston. "Passing on the injury risks that come with a top-five player who has missed eight of Milwaukee's last 16 playoff games is an understandable decision. Boston has proof of concept with Tatum and Brown. Brad Stevens doesn't need to roll the dice on Antetokounmpo's health."

>Krivitsky's concern about Antetokounmpo's health is shared by many.

>The two-time MVP was limited to a career-low 36 games this season, primarily due to a nagging calf strain.

>Antetokounmpo did play in at least 61 regular-season contests in each of his first 12 NBA campaigns, however.

>The latest news comes on the heels of a report that said the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers have "legitimate trade interest in" Brown.

>More NBA: Report: 'Zero Chance' Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns To Bucks