The NBA moves fast, of course, and it was only a week ago that the Boston Celtics were sitting as the No. 1 favorite to go on and win the Eastern Conference, landing in the Finals after a remarkable 56-win season despite missing star Jayson Tatum with Achilles tendon rehab. But Jaylen Brown took the reins as an MVP candidate during that stretch, and Boston overachieved. It all came crashing down with Boston blowing a 3-1 series lead in the first round, and now finding itself the epicenter of offseason NBA rumors, as a Jaylen Brown trade watch is opening.
It’s Brown at the center of these rumors, for three main reasons. First, he thrived as the team leader and No. 1 option. He has dropped hints that he might not be excited about going back to being No. 2 behind Tatum. Second, he showed just how good he can be when truly unleashed, and he is now at the top of his value. Teams want him, if it’s possible to get him.
And third, he is eligible for an extension on the remaining three years and $182 million of his contract, making this an ideal time to trade him–and making Boston consider how much it wants to invest in the Brown-Tatum pairing going forward.
Now, it is worth noting that the Celtics are not publicly saying they want to trade Brown, and he came out on Wednesday to say he wants to stay in Boston for another 10 years. Still, the Brown trade watch is on, and we went through all 30 teams, with the help of an exec from each conference, to see who could be a real suitor if Boston does put him on the market.
Celtics Jaylen Brown Trade Watch: They’re in Business
Which teams would be considered favorites to have the right mix for a trade with the Celtics? There are not many that appear to be perfect fits …
Milwaukee Bucks. Eastern Conference exec: “It would be a clean way to make it happen. It’s just, Giannis is two years older than Brown (who is 29), he can’t stay healthy, and you’re not only going to trade Jaylen Brown away, you’re going to commit long-term to Giannis? There’s a big question there.”
Denver Nuggets. Western Conference exec: “He’d be a great match with (Nikola Jokic) and give that group a little more fire, which it needs. Boston would get back Jamal Murray but he could be a fit there, more of a point guard for them.”
L.A. Clippers. Western Conference exec: “This would come down to whether the Celtics want to take on the drama with Kawhi Leonard. If they’re OK with that, you can lay some ground work but you’re also asking, how is this guy going to fit for us?”,
San Antonio Spurs. Western Conference executive: “A De’Aaron Fox for Jaylen Brown trade would be interesting. I feel like Boston would ask for more than that. Brown would fit, talent-wise but you’d wonder how he would mesh with Wemby and their young guys.”
Cleveland Cavaliers. Eastern Conference executive: “The playoffs will be a factor, but they are expensive and might need to turn over everything. Donovan Mitchell could be a trade guy, Evan Mobley could be traded, Jarrett Allen. They have a lot of good pieces, but they’re expensive andis that what Boston wants?”
GettyDonovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is a potential NBA trade candidate.
There’s a Long List of ‘Maybes’ for the Celtics
It’s possible that teams on this part of the list could make a credible Jaylen Brown offer, but there are obstacles and at least a third team (maybe more) would need to be involved.
Miami Heat. The conversation would have to begin and end at Bam Adebayo. The Heat are almost certain not to go there, and the Celtics would not want anyone else.
Detroit Pistons. A Jalen Duren sign-and-trade might make some sense, but it is hard to see either side moving forward with that.
Houston Rockets. Brown-for-Kevin Durant is a hard no from the Celtics. Unless the Rockets start with Alerpen Sengun (unlikely), it’s hard to find a deal.
Minnesota Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert would be a fascinating guy to drop into Boston’s 3-point-happy system. Worth considering but the Celtics would need more, and the Wolves probably wouldn’t give it.
New Orleans Pelicans. Trey Murphy would be a good, affordable Brown replacement. Is there a workable package?
Utah Jazz. Interesting assets, and there’s the Ainge connection, but the Jazz are going young and Brown is not quite on the timeline.
Jaylen Brown Trade Offers: ‘Thanks, But No Thanks’
Interested? Maybe, but these teams would either have nothing for the Celtics to take back or would not be that hot and heavy to add Brown.
Atlanta Hawks. Brown is an Atlanta guy but the Hawks are not ready to drop a superstar into their mix. They’re not likely to have the right package, either.
Portland Trail Blazers. Apologies to Jrue Holiday and the Time Lord, but there would be nothing here that would get the Celtics to the table.
New York Knicks. Not happening.
Phoenix Suns. It’s take a Devin Booker package and it is hard to see either side going for that.
Toronto Raptors. ‘How about Brandon Ingram?’ Phone clicks.
Golden State Warriors. Celtics don’t want a half-season of Jimmy Butler (knee injury) and that’s where the package would start.
Los Angeles Lakers. Cap space and future picks are their biggest draw on the market this summer, and that’s not cutting it. Even Austin Reaves in a sign-and-trade won’t get it done.
Orlando Magic. Too many concerns about Franz Wagner and/or Jalen Suggs, starting with whether they’re good enough.
Washington Wizards. Anthony Davis to Boston, finally? Not for Jaylen Brown, no.
Not Even Making the Jaylen Brown Trade Call
Philadelphia Sixers. The Celtics really can’t do a Jaylen Brown trade with Philly. There would be riots on the streets.
Charlotte Hornets. Not ready to add a star.
Chicago Bulls. Rebuilding.
Brooklyn Nets. Also rebuilding.
Indiana Pacers. Rebuilt, and ready to compete for a title.
OKC Thunder. Assets are there, but not the desire.
Dallas Mavericks. Assets are not there.
Memphis Grizzlies. Forget it.
Sacramento Kings. REALLY forget it.
NBA Trade Rumors: All 30 Teams on Jaylen Brown Trade Watch