The Boston Celtics are facing a transformational summer, and with Jayson Tatum expected to miss most—if not all—of next season due to his Achilles injury, front office decisions carry more weight than ever. While the Celtics just raised Banner 18 in 2024, their outlook for next season is foggy at best. And in a league where value, cap space, and timing mean everything, no player is truly untouchable.
Even Jaylen Brown.
A year removed from a title and still in his prime, Brown has become the subject of a surprising rumor involving a Western Conference team few expected to enter the mix.
Celtics Face Reality Without Tatum
Without Tatum, Boston still boasts a playoff-caliber core—but not one capable of contending. That makes paying a record-setting luxury tax for an aging, expensive roster a hard sell, especially with the second apron looming over every front office move.
Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are seen as the likeliest candidates to be moved, but their trade value is minimal compared to the price Boston paid to acquire them. If the Celtics want to shake things up in a meaningful way, it would take something bigger—something like Brown.
Spurs Reportedly Interested in Jaylen Brown
Enter the San Antonio Spurs. According to Chris Mannix, the Spurs could be preparing a bold move.
“Jaylen Brown is interesting,” Mannix said on The Kevin O’Connor Show. “If he’s in play, that’s someone I think San Antonio will look at and will go after… I would expect San Antonio to be among the teams to make a run at him.”
Armed with assets, including the No. 2 overall pick, the Spurs are quietly lurking as a sleeper contender for a potential Jaylen Brown deal. That possibility was echoed by Brett Siegel, who reported that San Antonio is a team to watch in the Jaylen Brown sweepstakes.
With Victor Wembanyama, a budding superstar, and the newly acquired De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs are just one piece away from building a serious threat in the West—and they seem to believe Brown could be that missing piece.
Would the Celtics Actually Move Jaylen Brown?
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.
As of now, a Brown trade remains unlikely. Boston views him as the clear No. 1 option during Tatum’s recovery, and his 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season underscore his value.
Still, with tax penalties tightening and the future wide open, Brad Stevens will at least pick up the phone. The Celtics aren’t trying to shop Jaylen Brown—but if the Spurs, or anyone else, come calling with a godfather offer?
Well… it might be one they can’t refuse.
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