Boston Celtics rumors: 3 players that are untouchable in Clint Capela talks
Jaylen Brown
Raise your hand if you expected Jaylen Brown to so quickly make his off-season extension of four years and $115 million look like a bargain. You could all put your hands down, liars.
You see, Brown has been seen as a future franchise cornerstone since he was taken with the #3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. His 2018 playoff run inspired plenty of confidence that he could soon breakout, but the 2018-19 season was a harsh reminder that stardom is not guaranteed in this league.
Well, after subtracting Kyrie Irving from the equation, Brown all of a sudden looks the part of a legitimate third star in the Boston Celtics lineup behind Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum. Organic growth and increased opportunities have led to Brown becoming a 20 point per game scorer on 50 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from the 3-point line.
Brown is a part of the team’s identity as a chaotic wing defender with the athleticism and strength to make Brad Stevens’ defense work, despite a sizable center. Giving him up in a deal with Houston would be endlessly foolish, even though his fit next to James Harden and Russell Westbrook would be perfect.
The Rockets are looking for a wing in trade talks for Capela, but Brown isn’t that wing. The 24-year-old is a more valuable asset at this stage of his career, even with a huge raise coming next season.