After being eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in a first-round upset, the Boston Celtics may be forced to go back to the drawing board. That could include them considering trading star Jaylen Brown. He is reportedly unhappy with the organization, according to mentor and NBA legend Tracy McGrady.
While that probably isn't their first choice, they may need to break up their core if they hope to contend in the future. That could mean shipping out Brown in hopes of maintaining a winning team for the foreseeable future.
If they were able to do so, they could find a strong trade market for Brown and they could even find a replacement star to pair with Jayson Tatum.
Who should the Celtics target in a potential Jaylen Brown trade?
The most obvious trade option for the Celtics would be to see if they could try Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo away from a conference rival. Giannis for Brown and two first-round picks could net the Celtics a top-three player to pair with Tatum.
Another trade option would see them ship Brown to his home state, with the Atlanta Hawks being a potential trade partner. They are unlikely to give up rising star Jalen Johnson.
However, they have plenty of talented players such as Onyeka Okongwu, Dyson Daniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. They will also have three first-round picks in this year's draft, including possibly a top 3 pick.
Should the Boston Celtics trade Jaylen Brown?
A package of Okongwu, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, a high lottery pick, and another first in this year's draft could be a tantalizing trade package for the Celtics. They'd be replacing a star with three starters, a possible future star, and perhaps another future rotation player.
From a salary cap and depth standpoint that would allow them to possibly build a cheaper and deeper contender. It could also give Boston a bridge to the future if they were to draft, say, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, or Darryn Peterson.
All that would depend on if the Celtics are willing to trade Brown, the Hawks end up with a top 3 pick, and whether they'd be willing to trade it for him. However, if Atlanta receives a top pick and is willing to trade it for Brown, that could be a win-win for both teams.
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