The Boston Celtics have blown a 3-1 lead to play a Game 7. They have to play a deciding Game 7 on Saturday against the 76ers. It’s a game that has some major implications for the future of the roster after they were expected to win the East once Jayson Tatum got healthy.
Once he returned, Boston was the favorite to win the East. Losing the game on Saturday would open the door for some moves on the roster. Jaylen Brown was the best player for the team all season long, but he’s not the best player on the team.
NBA pundit and noted Celtics fan Bill Simmons thinks there’s a chance he could be a trade candidate if Boston loses in the first round.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
NBA Pundit Thinks Jaylen Brown Could be Floated in a Trade
While speaking on the Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons wondered what the future could hold for Brown if the Celtics lose Game 7.
“I do wonder what happens with Jaylen long-term if they lose this series. I wonder, does he become a trade possibility?… You have two guys making a combined $120 million, and it’s looked pretty rocky the past couple of years in the playoffs. And I just wonder if they would look at this as a chance to reset.”
Boston decided to pay Brown like a true superstar, and it worked out for them this season. He is going to make an All-NBA team this season. Yet, he is still trying to fight to get out of Tatum’s shadow. That’s not something he should have to do after the year he just had.
During the regular season, the Celtics had the second-best offense in the league. Only the Nuggets had a more efficient offense. That was also mostly without Tatum in the lineup. Tatum got hurt again in Game 6, although he should be ready to go for Game 7.
GettyBoston Celtics executive Brad Stevens talks to the media. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Boston Could Try to Make a Monster Trade in the Offseason
If Boston does fall to Philly, they could try to make a huge trade. It wouldn’t be shocking to see if they could try to get into the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Every team that doesn’t win a title will be looking at Antetokounmpo to see if they can add him to become a title contender.
Tatum seems to be locked into the roster long-term. He is the face of the franchise, even after the Achilles tear. Brown’s future is slightly more up in the air. Still, it would be surprising to see Brad Stevens try to move him in the offseason, even if they do lose to the 76ers.
Stevens has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making moves. He earned the Executive of the Year, so fans should trust in what he decides to do this summer. A win in Game 7 pushes all of these questions further down the line.
NBA Pundit Theorizes Celtics Could Consider Trading Jaylen Brown