Although Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is doubtful for Wednesday’s Game 2 first-round contest against the Orlando Magic, the franchise has enough weapons to prevail in front of its home crowd.
Tatum, dealing with a bone bruise in his right wrist, will likely return to the hardwood soon, considering ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that it’s a pain tolerance injury and will be monitored moving forward.
However, the Celtics’ postseason performance won’t change the fact that the organization must attempt to cut costs in free agency.
Clutch Points’ Spencer See predicts the Celtics will swap Jaylen Brown, who signed a five-year, $285 million contract with Boston in 2023, for a 15-time All-Star forward.
“This trade idea (Brown to Suns for Kevin Durant) originates from Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach, where he proposed the Celtics straight-up swap Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant,” See wrote Tuesday.
“Curiously, this was the same trade proposal that happened in 2022, when the Brooklyn Nets rejected the Celtics. The original deal involved Boston putting up a package of Brown, Derrick White, and a first-round draft pick.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“But fast forward to today, it looks like the deal can be made possible this offseason. The Celtics are experiencing a change in ownership, and this could shape the team’s future.”
“While the 2024 NBA Finals MVP was a huge part in the team’s championship success in the 2023-24 season, don’t be surprised if they dangle him in trade conversations if a superstar like Durant becomes available, especially when the new owners decide to prioritize ducking the second luxury tax apron.”
Durant and the Suns shouldn’t continue their disappointing partnership.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion signed to a four-year, $194 million contract (Brooklyn Nets-2022), hasn’t made Phoenix better since joining the franchise in 2023.
Two early postseason exits and a lost 36-46 campaign that resulted in an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference won’t cut it with a player of Durant’s caliber.
Still, Durant wowed spectators in Year 18, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three in 62 regular-season contests.
The former Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, known for freezing defenders with his believable hesitation before shooting over the top of them, has plenty left in the tank to assist a surging organization like the Celtics.
A summer wing swap could benefit Boston, with Durant being a more accomplished and cheaper option than Brown.
More NBA: Lakers trade idea sends gifted $18 million rookie guard to Magic
