We’re less than a week removed from the Boston Celtics being eliminated from the NBA playoffs, and we’re already entering silly season.
Throughout the summer, the Celtics are going to be linked to a string of top talent via trade rumors. The fact that Jaylen Brown’s future with the roster has already become a talking point will only serve as a vehicle to drive a swath of trade proposals.
In fact, we’re already seeing that become the case.
On Wednesday, May 6, Collin Kennedy of 98.5 The Sports Hub produced the most outlandish trade idea so far. The deal would look like this:
Celtics Get: Stephen Curry
Warriors Get: Jaylen Brown
“This move is trending more towards fantasyland, but nonetheless, it’s another blockbuster move that makes some real sense,” Kennedy wrote. “The contracts are comparable, and a one-for-one swap is possible, but more pieces would likely be included. Just for fun, Al Horford is still with the Warriors with another year on his contract, and could once again be looking for another move to contend for a title.”
Brown is coming off a career year. He was one of the top-10 players in the NBA this past season. If Boston does make him available, almost every team in the league will likely be picking up the phone.
The Celtics Are Not Getting Stephen Curry
Let’s pump the brakes here.
Stephen Curry is among the closest things you’re getting to an unmovable talent. Even at his age, the Golden State Warriors appear committed to continue building around him in the hope of ensuring the final years of his career are competitive.
Curry means too much to that franchise. Unless he personally demands a trade, there’s almost no chance that he gets moved in a deal, regardless of who is coming in the opposite direction.
In fact, the Warriors have spent the past few years looking for stars to pair Curry with. So, while the math works from a money-matching standpoint, we shouldn’t expect to see Curry heading to the TD Garden unless it’s for a Warriors vs. Celtics game.
Brad Stevens Knows Celtics Need To Improve
Irrespective of whether Brown gets traded or not, it’s clear the Celtics need to improve. When addressing the media on May 6, Brad Stevens was open about where the team is currently at and what is needed during the offseason.
“Obviously, these guys are really committed to growth. I thought the coaches did a really good job of helping guys all get better,” Stevens said. “But there’s another step to take. And whether you’re in my shoes, or you’re in any of our support staff’s shoes, or if you’re in our coaches’ shoes, or if you’re in our players’ shoes, we got to get better. So that’s going to be the charge and the focus.”
Stevens continued.
“So we’ll figure out how best to do that. It’ll probably be a balance of development and, at some point, obviously, with the draft coming up and free agency coming up, and trying to figure out how to make our team as good as it can be.”
Trading Brown may not be off the table, but it is unlikely. Nevertheless, Stevens and the front office will do what they deem necessary to improve the roster.
It’s going to be a busy summer.
‘Fantasy Land’ Trade Idea Swaps Celtics’ Jaylen Brown For Future Hall Of Famer