With reports out that the Boston Celtics are engaged in active trade discussions surrounding Jaylen Brown, here are three teams that make the most sense in a trade for the Celtics Superstar.
3 NBA Teams That Make The Most Sense In A Jaylen Brown Trade
3. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks would be a good destination for Brown, as he is from the area. Brown could go back home and add to a Hawks team that finished the regular season very strongly. They went into the playoffs and gave the eventual champion New York Knicks their biggest test in the playoffs in the first round, so Brown could come in and add to what’s already being built.
Even though the Hawks already have Jalen Johnson, an All-Star forward, building around Brown would likely be the top option on the team if traded to Atlanta. The Hawks could have a real identity around themselves post-Trae Young trade.
Johnson has emerged as a rising star in the league as a young player, but Brown will give the Hawks a new look and championship DNA after the All-NBA forward won the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs could choose not to rest on their laurels and go for it with a big trade for Brown. The trade would likely center on De’Aaron Fox and some of the young prospects the Spurs have, such as Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper. Brown would fit seamlessly next to Victor Wembanyama and would for sure give them the championship experience and edge the Spurs could use to get over the hump after making the finals.
Teams’ game plans will be centered around stopping Wembanyama, and Brown would be able to capitalize on the attention Wembanyama would get. Also, there were times when Wembanyama struggled to put the ball in the basket down the stretch of the NBA Finals, which is where adding a player like Brown could help. Brown made clutch plays during the 2024 NBA Finals, ultimately earning him the NBA Finals MVP award.
Ultimately, the Spurs could decide to just ride it out with their young core and see what happens; however, there’s a good chance the team could regress and take a step back. If San Antonio struggles to build on their finals run, they could look to add Brown to the fold to push their chips in.
1. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets make a lot of sense in a Jaylen Brown trade. First and foremost, they are flush with young assets to be able to pull off such a trade. Young players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard would all probably be available. The biggest thing for Brown if he were traded to the Rockets is the connection he has with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka.
Brown went to the finals in the first year under Udoka, back when the Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors in 2022. Brown is familiar with Udoka’s tough, hard-nosed coaching style, and Udoka is familiar with Browns versatility on offense and defense. It will also help that Brown will be coming off his best individual season.
A tandem of Brown, Kevin Durant, and whatever young pieces the Rockets don’t trade away will be a good recipe for being successful in the Western Conference. The Rockets will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025-2026 season, their first after trading for Kevin Durant.
Houston’s season ended disappointingly, losing to a Los Angeles Lakers team in the first round that was without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for most of the series. It has been reported that Amen Thompson would be the only player off limits this summer if the Rockets were looking to make a big trade.
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