The Boston Celtics were expected to play in the NBA Finals this month. Once Jayson Tatum returned, they were seen as the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they blew a 3-1 lead in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jaylen Brown then proceeded to say some strange things on multiple Twitch streams. Since those comments, rumors have been floating around about Brown’s future in Boston. Some fans want to trade him in exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will be the biggest player available this summer.
One Celtics insider believes that would be a bad idea for them to do if they want to contend for future championships.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball in a game against the 76ers. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Celtics Insider Doesn’t Think Boston Should Trade Jaylen Brown
Jay King of The Athletic believes it wouldn’t be a smart move for Boston to trade Brown. He thinks the best path to a title is still keeping the Tatum/Brown duo intact.
“Regardless of what individual goals Tatum and Brown have, they have produced a career’s worth of evidence that they do little but win together. Of course, the first-round exit was a disappointment, but it was the first time the Celtics lost at that stage when both of them appeared in a playoff series (and you could argue they would have won Game 7 if Tatum had played),” King wrote.
King essentially makes the point that the duo has proved that they can win a title together, which they did back in the 2024 season. As long as both players are healthy during the postseason, this is still one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA, not just the Eastern Conference.
Tatum will be fully healthy for the entirety of next season, meaning that the team will have the proper chemistry required to enter the playoffs. King believes this team is better with both players on the roster moving forward. Building around those two is the key.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston has Shown Very Little Appetite to Move Jaylen Brown
Despite the strange comments from Brown since the season ended, they have shown very little interest in moving Brown thus far. He was an All-NBA performer this season, so trading him would be a monumental move for the franchise. At this point, he would have to demand a trade.
The Celtics have to figure out the frontcourt. It’s clear that the center spot is the biggest hole. Adding another one to either back up Neemias Queta or get one to replace him in the starting lineup is something they need to prioritize. The Nikola Vucevic experiment did not work.
Boston was also under the luxury tax this season. How much money the new owner, Bill Chisholm, is willing to spend is unclear. In order for them to compete for a title, they will likely need to be over the first apron of the luxury tax.
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