Celtics come up short in pursuit of Giannis, now face offseason questions

The Celtics pushed hard for Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the end, it wasn’t enough.

According to multiple reports, Boston was one of the final two teams in the running before the Bucks ultimately agreed to send Antetokounmpo to the Heat in a blockbuster deal late Monday night.

The reported Miami package included Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick, additional first-rounders and a pick swap.

Boston’s offer reportedly centered around Jaylen Brown and draft assets.

So yes, the Celtics clearly were willing to make a major move. For a while, it even appeared they had a legitimate chance.

Reports throughout the week suggested Antetokounmpo would have been open to signing an extension in Boston, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the Celtics were essentially all-in on trying to get a deal done.

Instead, Milwaukee chose Miami’s younger package and larger collection of future assets.

So where do the Celtics go from here? That’s the question facing president of basketball operations Brad Stevens.

Brown is coming off arguably the best season of his career, averaging 28.7 points and earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Jayson Tatum remains the franchise cornerstone. Whether Boston simply moves forward with that duo or explores other trade possibilities remains to be seen.

The Celtics have also been linked to several other potential targets this offseason, including Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III and Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart.

One thing is certain: After weeks of Giannis speculation, the Celtics now must pivot.

And with the NBA Draft set for Tuesday night, Stevens may not have to wait long before making his next move.