The Boston Celtics' season ended sooner than expected—a first-round, seven-game battle that ended in defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, as the dust settles, whispers of major offseason moves are heating up, and one name keeps surfacing: Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Brad Stevens, the Celtics' president of basketball operations, made it clear after the playoff exit that he wants to add players who can make an impact around the rim. Enter the "Greek Freak." For weeks, trade rumors have swirled around Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks, and on Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell on "The Pat McAfee Show." According to Charania, Antetokounmpo is expected to turn down a contract extension, essentially putting the Bucks in a position where they must trade their superstar.

And here's where it gets interesting for Boston. Charania revealed that the Bucks are open for business—and named the Celtics as a potential suitor. Even more telling? He disclosed that Boston actually pursued Giannis at the February trade deadline. "The NBA playoffs represent another landmark point for the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes," Charania wrote. "Sources said postseason teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers pursued Antetokounmpo at the February deadline, and their finishes to the campaign will play a major factor in their aggressiveness to trade for him."

Of course, the asking price for a two-time MVP is sky-high. It was steep back in February, and the Celtics knew that. But the fact that they already made a run at him then suggests they'll be right back in the mix this summer. With Giannis signaling he won't sign an extension, the Bucks may be forced to lower their demands slightly—though acquiring a player of his caliber will still cost a king's ransom.

For Boston, that likely means parting with one of their cornerstone stars. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are the team's biggest contracts, and all signs point to Brown being the one on the move. His name was reportedly floated during those February talks, and with the Celtics hungry to retool after a disappointing finish, don't be surprised if the Giannis sweepstakes becomes the story of the offseason.