Mock Trade Sees Celtics Land 2-Time MVP
As a retooling team, the Boston Celtics are likely to dip in and out of the trade market over the coming months and/or years. Brad Stevens will undoubtedly continue to iterate through talent until he finds the additional pieces needed to position Joe Mazzulla’s roster back at the top of the Eastern Conference.
With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White already under contract, those moves will likely be aimed at constructing a reliable, deep supporting cast. Of course, Stevens could go in another direction and look to flip Brown and filler for another top-10 superstar.
In a recent article from Matt Moore of FanSided, a move for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was suggested as a potential pivot for the Celtics. Moore’s proposed trade looked like this:
Boston Celtics Get:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Myles Turner
- Bobby Portis
Milwaukee Bucks Get:
- Jaylen Brown
- Anfernee Simons
- Sam Hauser
- Xavier Tillman
- Two first-round picks
“Boston gets to instantly reorganize their future,” Moore wrote. “It’s now Tatum coming back from the Achilles with Derrick White and Giannis. That’s your core for the next four years…Giannis and Tatum aren’t a natural fit, but they can both pull so much gravitational help to open up shooters, and are so talented, you live with it. The Celtics instantly transition to an elite defensive team.”
A trio of Giannis, Tatum and White would be devastatingly good. Gianis would have all the space he needed to attack downhill and pressure the rim. Tatum and White would both thrive as creators, floor spacers, and high-level defenders.
The Celtics Would Need Floor Spacers
The hardest part about making a Tatum-Giannis tandem work would be spacing. The Celtics would need multiple high-level shooters on the court at all times. Ensuring there’s enough scope for both starts to get downhill and create scoring or passing opportunities would be essential. Giannis is at his best when driving toward the rim.
Losing Sam Hauser in Moore’s trade proposal would be a big blow. He’s one of the best three-point specialists in the NBA, and the ideal type of talent you want in your supporting cast. However, if Giannis is heading to your team, you pay the premium and figure out how to make it work after the fact.
A rotation full of shooting, ball-handling and defense would ensure the Celtics open a new contention timeline. Of course, constructing a roster like that is far easier said than done.
Giannis Prefers New York
According to an Oct. 7 report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Giannis has previously pinpointed the New York Knicks as his desired destination, should he eventually choose to leave the Bucks.
“Ever since the NBA Draft Combine in mid-May, Alex Saratsis — an Octagon managing director and Antetokounmpo’s U.S.-based representative — has fielded rampant interest in Antetokounmpo and conducted serious due diligence on the best possible outside fits,” Charania reported. “Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks.”
Of course, Giannis’ preference could easily change in the coming months. After all, the opportunity to partner with Tatum and bring Banner 19 to Boston could be too good to pass up. In truth, though, it’s highly unlikely we see Giannis swapping one green jersey for another. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t imagine what things would look like if he did.
Ben Johnson Chillingly Confident: "The Bye Week Reset Us—Now We’re Ready to Make a Run for the Playoffs!"
The Chicago Bears have emerged from their Week 5 bye week with a renewed sense of focus, determination, and confidence. Head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear that the time off wasn’t just about rest; it was an opportunity for the team to reset, refocus, and come back stronger than ever. With playoff hopes firmly in sight, the Bears are gearing up to make a serious run for the postseason, and Johnson is ready to lead them there.
“The Bye Week Was Exactly What We Needed”
As the Bears prepare for their Week 6 matchup, Johnson expressed his belief that the time away from the field was pivotal in setting the stage for the team’s push toward the playoffs. “The bye week was exactly what we needed. It gave us a chance to reset, refocus, and come back stronger,” Johnson said. “Now we’ve got the playoffs in sight, and there’s no turning back. We’re ready to make a run.”
The Bears entered their bye week with a 2–2 record, having just secured back-to-back victories against the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders. But the bye allowed them the time to reflect, recover, and retool for the second half of the season. With a relatively favorable schedule ahead, including matchups against teams with losing records, the Bears are positioning themselves to capitalize on the momentum from their recent wins.
A Strong Focus on the Playoffs
After a tumultuous start to the season, the Bears are now in a strong position to make a postseason push. The bye week allowed the coaching staff to fine-tune the roster and put extra emphasis on key areas of improvement. Johnson is confident that the work done during the bye will translate into on-field success as the season progresses.
“We’re not just focusing on the next game; we’re looking at the bigger picture,” Johnson said. “The playoffs are in sight, and we’ve got the talent to make a deep run. We’ve got to take it one step at a time, but our eyes are on the prize. The team is hungry, and we’re ready to prove we belong in the playoffs.”
Team Chemistry and Focus
What’s most encouraging for Bears fans is the growing sense of chemistry and unity among the players. Johnson emphasized that the bye week wasn’t only about individual recovery but also about bringing the team closer together. “This team is stronger than ever. We’ve been through the grind, and now it’s time to elevate,” Johnson added. “Everyone is focused, and we’re all in this together. The goal is clear: get to the playoffs and do some damage.”
As the Bears head into their crucial Week 6 game, they know that the road to the playoffs won’t be easy, but with a coach as confident and driven as Ben Johnson leading the way, the team is fully equipped to face the challenges ahead.
The second half of the season is about to get intense, and the Chicago Bears are ready to make their mark.
Malik Mustapha Strengthens 49ers Defense with Return to Practice
The San Francisco 49ers' defense just received a major boost as Malik Mustapha, one of the most dynamic and hard-hitting players in their lineup, returned to practice, fueling excitement and optimism among the defensive unit. Known for his unmatched physicality and leadership, Mustapha’s return is seen as a game-changer for a team already boasting one of the league’s most formidable defensive lines.
Mustapha, who has been recovering from an injury, was a key piece of the 49ers' defense before his absence. His return to practice comes at a crucial time, as the team looks to sharpen its defensive strategies for the rest of the season. The defensive players are thrilled to have him back, as Mustapha brings not only his athleticism but also a contagious energy that elevates the entire squad.
“Having Malik back is huge for us,” said one of Mustapha’s teammates. “He’s the kind of guy who can turn a game around with a single play. His presence on the field makes all of us better, and we’re excited to see him back in action.”
The return of Mustapha is expected to fortify the 49ers’ already strong defensive line, providing additional depth and versatility. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his physical play and game awareness makes him a vital asset, especially as the team prepares for the more intense matchups ahead.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed the excitement, stating, “Malik’s return is exactly what we needed. He brings an edge to our defense that we can’t replicate. His leadership and experience are invaluable as we look to finish the season strong.”
Mustapha's return to practice has already been noticeable, as his intensity and sharpness have reinvigorated the defensive drills. As the team gears up for the next stretch of games, the 49ers' defense, now even stronger with Mustapha's presence, looks poised to continue its dominance and remain one of the most feared units in the league.
