When you win a record 18th NBA title, the last thing you expect is turbulence. But the Boston Celtics? They’ve never been strangers to chaos wrapped. Just weeks removed from hoisting the Larry O’Brien, whispers have already started to swirl. Not about celebrations or banner ceremonies, but about breakups. And not the easy kind either.
One name that has unexpectedly found its way into the NBA rumor mill is Jaylen Brown. Yep, the same Jaylen Brown who just helped bring glory back to Boston. There’s a strange fog floating over TD Garden right now. New faces at the top. Quiet locker room goodbyes. And looming financial nightmares no one can ignore. If something’s coming, it’s coming fast. But what exactly?
Well, here it is: Jaylen Brown’s time in Boston might actually be nearing its end. And the trigger? A billion-dollar investment bombshell. According to Sportico, Indian steel magnate Aditya Mittal is pumping $1 billion into the Celtics as part of the franchise’s new ownership structure. That puts him right behind incoming majority owner Bill Chisholm. While that might sound like great news, it’s anything but for Brown. In the words of Celtics insider John Karalis, “You can’t build a legitimate team with Tatum and Brown making $115 million and then splitting $85 million between the next 12 guys. You just can’t do that.”
And guess who looks more likely to stay? “This upcoming season is Jaylen’s last. It could be”, Karalis added. Combine that with Brad Stevens’ vague season-ending comments about CBA complications, and yeah… the writing’s on the wall.
Look, financially, the Celtics are walking a tightrope. Starting next season, the Tatum-Brown duo is set to make over $100 million per year. By 2026-27, that number climbs even higher. That’s a gut punch to any hopes of roster flexibility. According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the Celtics want to remain competitive while avoiding harsh penalties under the new CBA. Their goal? Offload big salaries like Porzingis and Holiday for deals that are easier to move. But if that doesn’t pan out, Brown becomes the sacrificial piece. Especially now, with a deep-pocketed owner like Mittal coming in, someone who’ll likely want to cut long-term expenses while maximizing title windows. That’s bad news for No. 7.
And the heartbreak? It’s real. Jaylen Brown didn’t just ball out this season, he bled green. The Finals MVP averaged over 22 points and 7 boards in the playoffs, all while nursing a lingering knee issue. After their painful loss to the Knicks, Brown admitted: “Losing to the Knicks feels like death”. Yet even in defeat, he was already thinking ahead: “I was always taught there is life after death. Whatever is next in the journey, I’ll be ready for it”. That doesn’t sound like a man cemented in Boston’s future. That sounds like someone bracing for the next chapter.
Still, if the Celtics truly want to contend again next season, trading Brown might not be the smartest move. Which brings us to the million or rather, billion-dollar question…
Does trading Jaylen Brown really benefit the Celtics?
Let’s start here, Jaylen Brown’s been a rock for Boston. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a two-way wrecking ball. His defense during the title run? Straight-up savage. The guy fought through pain and still showed up. Plus, his chemistry with Jayson Tatum has grown into one of the league’s most feared duos. Losing him now feels like ripping out your own spine.
But if you do put him on the market? You’ll get offers. Big ones. Jaylen’s just 28, already an All-Star, and he’s only getting better. Boston could load up on future picks and even add pieces that fit under the cap more comfortably. The catch? With Tatum likely missing time next season, you’d be giving up your best remaining weapon just when you need him most.
And here’s the thing Brown’s more than capable of running the show. The guy’s been in the Celtics system since day one. He knows the culture, knows the grind. With Derrick White likely sticking around, the team already has another reliable guard to support him. Starting fresh without Tatum doesn’t mean burning it all down. Trading Jaylen might just delay everything by another three years, and that’s assuming Tatum returns in MVP form, which isn’t guaranteed after an Achilles injury.
So yeah. Trading Brown isn’t just risky, it’s potentially reckless. He’s a Finals MVP with leadership chops, heart, and grit. If anything, Boston owes him one shot at leading the team his way. If it doesn’t work? Then maybe entertain trade talks. But not yet.
Not like this!
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