Why Celtics fans think Giannis Antetokounmpo just sent a subtle trade request originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo spent 13 seasons turning the Milwaukee Bucks into a powerhouse. He brought the city a title in 2021, won two MVPs, and single-handedly kept the team relevant. But after a dismal 32-50 finish this year, the franchise is stalling.
Antetokounmpo is widely believed to be itching for a change of scenery. And a single Instagram story has Boston fans convinced he’s headed to the Celtics.
Celtics fans spot Jayson Tatum jersey in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s workout story
Antetokounmpo usually keeps things strictly about the Bucks but a recent workout post caught the NBA community off guard.
He shared an Instagram story from an indoor court with the caption, “Let peace lead the way 🧡.” A sharp-eyed X account, @lockedupjb, spotted a framed Jayson Tatum jersey hanging on the wall in the background.
I see that Tatum jersey on the wall Giannis pic.twitter.com/z5bguORc17
— jb (@lockedupjb) May 7, 2026
For those who don’t know, the gym belongs to skills trainer Drew Hanlen. His client list includes Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Giannis, which explains why several jerseys are on display.
It’s a normal workspace for an NBA trainer but the photo was enough to set social media on fire because the gym post didn’t come out of nowhere.
NBA insider Marc Stein recently labeled Boston a “stealth” suitor if Milwaukee decides to blow it up. After an underwhelming 32-50 campaign, the Bucks’ front office might finally hit the reset button.
Moreover, Boston is now a frontrunner in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Kalshi Sports currently gives the Celtics the second-highest odds to land the Greek Freak. If the Bucks decide to shop their franchise player, the Celtics are ready to pounce.
Although this is just speculation, fans ran with it anyway and didn’t waste time putting their opinions on the table.
“Tatum Giannis Jaylen trio it is,” one user wrote.
Another clocked the jersey numbers, penning, “he’s got 0 & 7.”
A third viewer added, “Brown heart emoji? we’re keeping Jaylen too.”
One random X user penned, “Welcome to Boston without giving up JB.”
A fifth one claimed, “Boy packing them bags for sure.”
Pairing Tatum and Antetokounmpo would be a problem for the rest of the league. At 31, Giannis is still elite, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and shot 62.4% from the field this season. Putting him in Boston’s system would make them immediate title favorites.
But let’s keep it 100. A gym photo can’t be a surreal trade request. The Bucks forward was just getting his reps in at Hanlen’s facility, where jerseys of clients like Tatum are everywhere. If Brad Stevens wants to land a two-time MVP, it’s going to take a historic haul of assets.
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