The Boston Celtics just wrapped up one of their more confusing seasons in recent memory. Despite entering the year with virtually no expectations, a standout campaign from Jaylen Brown helped the C’s reemerge as one of the best teams in the league. And yet, everything came crashing down in the playoffs, as the team was eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The offseason is only a few days old, but trade rumors have quickly begun to swirl around Brown, thanks in large part to some eye-opening comments he’s made in the wake of the season wrapping up. If Brown were to be traded, one player who could return to Boston is Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. When discussing the subject, NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN recently provided some eye-opening comments.
Brian Windhorst Weighs in on Potential Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
“Of course it makes sense for Milwaukee. Of course the Bucks are monitoring this very closely and would be getting ready to call Boston.”
(via @GetUpESPN, h/t @CelticsUnite18)
Brown is fresh off a career year for the Celtics (28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 47.7 FG%), and yet, there appears to be some underlying tension between him and his longtime team. In the wake of the C’s playoff defeat, Brown turned heads with comments made during a Twitch stream, and his mentor, Tracy McGrady, suggested that the superstar scorer is “frustrated” with Boston.
If Boston were to trade Brown, there aren’t many players who would line up as an ideal match for him. Antetokounmpo may be a rare exception to that train of thought, though. For months, Antetokounmpo has been working on forcing his way out of Milwaukee, and while he only played in 36 games last season, when he was on the court, he was as effective as ever (27.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 62.4 FG%).
While this is a fun trade for fans to fantasize about, it remains to be seen if it would make sense for both teams. According to Windhorst, it certainly makes sense for the Bucks. As for the Celtics, Brown will likely show his hand when it comes time to negotiate a new contract in July. If he decides he wants to find a new home, then this trade could quickly become a reality.
“This is extraordinarily simple,” Windhorst said on “Get Up.” “Of course it makes sense for Milwaukee … Of course, Milwaukee would see some of the stuff Jaylen Brown is saying and would get ready to call Boston. From Boston’s standpoint, this is very simple. In July, Jaylen Brown has the opportunity to sign a contract extension with the Celtics … If he’s happy with the Celtics, sign … If he’s not happy with the Celtics, and he’s like, ‘I’m not sure I want to be here,’ trade.”
Should the Celtics Trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics. Antetokounmpo has re-ignited NBA trade rumors.
The trade rumors revolving around Brown are a head-scratcher. On one hand, he is fresh off the best year of his career with the Celtics. But with Jayson Tatum returning, it’s fair to wonder if Brown wants the chance to lead a team on his own. Again, the comments he’s made since the end of the season have done nothing but lead fans to believe he could be angling for a way out of town.
If that is what Brown wants, acquiring Antetokounmpo would certainly be a nice consolation prize. Right now, Milwaukee has less leverage when it comes to a potential trade involving these two players, which could play right into general manager Brad Stevens’ hands. Boston would probably prefer to keep building around Tatum and Brown, but if the latter wants out, the C’s could make a stunning push for Antetokounmpo.
Insider Issues Eye-Opening Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Update