Jaylen Brown is 28 and is signed to a five-year, $304 million supermax extension. However, with the Celtics making shocking moves this offseason, it isn’t wild to say that they may even part ways with their most recent NBA Finals MVP. One of the major reasons why the Celtics might even think so could be because of Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles, which is expected to sideline him for all of next season.
The Celtics might need a hefty return for Brown if they want to trade their superstar guard. One such high-profile scenario move could be to get LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets in a package deal. The former No. 3 pick has age (23) by his side and is a former All-Star.
SI’s Mark Morales-Smith suggested the following mock trade:
Hornets Receive:
- Jaylen Brown
- Sam Hauser
- Payton Pritchard
Celtics Receive:
- LaMelo Ball
- Miles Bridges
In this trade, Boston swaps a proven Finals performer for a young, dynamic playmaker, essentially.
With Tatum sidelined and uncertain for next season, the Celtics’ championship window has taken a hit. Having younger, cost-controlled players like Ball and Bridges gives the Celtics a safer route for the future.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Boston comes out with a move to trade Brown. They have already shaken up the roster by trading Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta and Jrue Holiday to Portland. So the idea is not that far-fetched by any means.
However, the Celtics giving away their superstar player might put the TD Garden on tilt. It’s a bold move, one that could safeguard Boston’s future but with short-term repercussions.
