1 Major Reason Celtics Could Trade Jaylen Brown

Earlier this week, it became public knowledge that another NBA team, the Boston Celtics, had emerged as a serious suitor for Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets had already engaged in some negotiations with them, as it was revealed that the Celtics did make an offer.

Boston offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and picks for Durant, which Brooklyn turned down. The hold-up is over Marcus Smart, whom the Nets are looking to have included in the deal as well. Everything else is exactly what Brooklyn is looking for, so if Boston relents and includes Smart, a deal could be made.

While there has been some debate over when these talks occurred, it still stirred up an interesting conversation. After just making the NBA Finals, many people would be shocked if Boston made a move of this magnitude.

Could this be a convenient leak to improve the trade market, which hasn’t been as strong as the Nets would have liked?

That is certainly a possibility, but as described over at HoopsHype, there is a compelling case to be made for the Celtics to get involved in trade talks despite how strong of contenders they already are.

One reason that could motivate the Celtics to pursue a Durant trade is if they have an indication that Brown isn’t long for Boston. Brown will be extension-eligible on October 1, 2022 for a base of $110.8 million. He will almost certainly not sign it since it is way below his market value, and he should command maximum level offers when he becomes a free agent in 2024. He also still has a chance to qualify for the supermax over the next two years if he earns All-NBA honors, but only with the Celtics.

Another thing that needs to be taken into account is that Boston still has Jayson Tatum on the roster. He is currently 24 years old. The Celtics can add Durant, make a run at the title the next four seasons, which is how long he is under contract for, and then reevaluate things. 

At that time, Tatum will only be entering his prime years. Boston would be in a position to reload the team around him once again. Having that kind of superstar-level player entrenched on the roster makes a move like this much easier to stomach, especially parting ways with a player in Jaylen Brown who is eight years younger than Durant and already an All-Star-level producer.

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