The NBA offseason is already shaping up to be a wild ride, with the Boston Celtics at the center of a seismic shift that could alter the league’s landscape. Reports from Sports Illustrated indicate that the Celtics are seriously considering trading their star forward and 2024 NBA Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown, in a blockbuster deal that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world. This potential move comes as Boston grapples with significant financial constraints and the fallout from a disappointing 2025 playoff exit, compounded by Jayson Tatum’s season-altering Achilles injury. Here’s a deep dive into the trade rumors, the proposed deal, and what it could mean for the Celtics and the NBA as a whole.
The Catalyst: Financial Pressure and Tatum’s Injury
The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 NBA championship, entered the 2025 season with high expectations but were derailed by a second-round playoff exit against the New York Knicks. The devastating blow came in Game 4 when Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles, an injury that could sideline him for the entirety of the 2025-26 season. With Tatum’s absence looming, the Celtics face a daunting financial reality: their payroll is projected to incur luxury tax penalties exceeding $238 million for the 2025-26 season due to the NBA’s second apron restrictions.
To alleviate this financial burden and retool the roster, the Celtics are reportedly exploring drastic measures, including trading key players like Brown, Jrue Holiday, or Kristaps Porzingis. Among these, Brown, with his $54 million salary for the upcoming season and a five-year, $285 million contract, has emerged as the centerpiece of trade discussions. Despite his status as a three-time All-Star and the reigning Finals MVP, Brown’s name has surfaced in multiple trade scenarios as Boston looks to manage its salary cap and plan for the future.
The Blockbuster Proposal: Brown to the Spurs?
One of the most intriguing trade proposals, as outlined by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, involves sending Jaylen Brown to the San Antonio Spurs in a deal that would reshape both franchises. The Spurs, looking to build around young superstar Victor Wembanyama and newly acquired De’Aaron Fox, see Brown as the perfect addition to form a championship-caliber core. The proposed trade would see the Celtics receive a package of young talent, draft picks, and salary relief in exchange for Brown, though specific details of the return package remain speculative.
This move would pair Brown, a versatile two-way star averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, with Wembanyama’s generational talent and Fox’s dynamic playmaking. For San Antonio, this trade could accelerate their timeline to contention, creating a formidable trio under coach Gregg Popovich. For Boston, the trade would provide assets to rebuild around Tatum’s eventual return while addressing their luxury tax woes.
Why Trade Jaylen Brown?
The idea of trading Brown, a beloved figure in Boston who helped deliver Banner 18, is polarizing among fans and analysts. However, several factors make this a plausible, albeit painful, decision:
Financial Necessity: The Celtics’ ballooning payroll and repeater tax status under the NBA’s new CBA make it nearly impossible to maintain their current core without incurring historic penalties. Trading Brown, whose contract is one of the league’s largest, would provide significant cap relief.
Tatum’s Injury: With Tatum potentially sidelined until 2026-27, the Celtics face a season without their best player. Some analysts, like Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, argue that trading Brown for young talent and draft picks could position Boston for a full rebuild, embracing a lottery-bound season rather than fighting for a middling playoff seed.
Brown’s Trade Value: As a 28-year-old All-NBA talent in his prime, Brown could command a massive haul. Teams like the Spurs, Houston Rockets, and even Eastern Conference rivals like the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to Brown, with potential packages including young stars, draft capital, and salary fillers.
However, not everyone is on board with trading Brown. NBA insider Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reports that the Celtics have no intention of moving Brown, emphasizing his importance as the team’s go-to player in Tatum’s absence. Brown himself has expressed his deep connection to Boston, stating, “Boston is home. I’ve been here for ten years of my life,” in response to trade rumors. His performance as the team’s primary scorer next season will be critical, but doubts persist about his ability to carry the load as the definitive “Batman” of the team, as noted by former NBA star Gilbert Arenas.
Other Trade Scenarios
Beyond the Spurs, several teams have been floated as potential landing spots for Brown:
Houston Rockets: Bill Simmons of The Ringer proposed a deal sending Brown and Jrue Holiday to Houston for Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This trade would provide Boston with young talent and draft capital while allowing Houston to pair Brown with their young core, including Amen Thompson.
Dallas Mavericks: A wild rumor suggests Boston could target the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, likely Duke star Cooper Flagg, by offering Brown to Dallas. This trade would be a bold move to secure a hometown talent and future cornerstone for the Celtics.
Atlanta Hawks: Pairing Brown with Trae Young and Jalen Johnson could create an exciting Big Three in Atlanta, especially since Brown hails from Marietta, Georgia. However, trading within the Eastern Conference is a risky proposition for Boston.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A proposed swap involving Darius Garland for Brown has been discussed, though it’s unlikely Boston would trade Brown to a playoff rival.
The Ripple Effect Across the NBA
If the Celtics pull the trigger on a Brown trade, the ramifications would be felt league-wide. For the acquiring team, Brown’s addition could elevate them to contender status, particularly for a team like the Spurs, who are on the cusp of a breakout with Wembanyama. For Boston, the trade could signal a shift toward a youth movement, with the Celtics betting on Tatum’s recovery and the development of new talent to open a new championship window.
Moreover, Brown’s departure could trigger a domino effect, with other stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been linked to trade rumors, potentially becoming available. ESPN insider Shams Charania has predicted “one of the wildest NBA offseasons ever,” and a Brown trade would certainly set the stage for that.
Fan Reaction and Brown’s Legacy
The Celtics fanbase is divided on the prospect of trading Brown. As the 2024 Finals MVP and a cornerstone of Boston’s championship run, Brown is a fan favorite who has grown into a leader on and off the court. His recent comments about staying engaged with the Boston community and addressing trade “noise” suggest he’s committed to the city. However, the harsh reality of the NBA’s financial landscape and Tatum’s injury may force the Celtics’ hand.
What’s Next?
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who faces the unenviable task of balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Trading Jaylen Brown would be a gut-wrenching decision, but it could provide the assets needed to navigate Tatum’s absence and the team’s financial constraints. Whether Boston opts for a full rebuild or a retooling around Brown, the coming months will be pivotal for the franchise.
For now, the NBA world waits with bated breath to see if this blockbuster trade becomes reality, or if Brown remains the heart and soul of the Celtics’ future. One thing is certain: any move involving Jaylen Brown will send shockwaves through the league, reshaping rosters and rivalries for years to come.