Just a couple of months back, we saw the Boston Celtics come within just two wins of claiming their 18th championship banner in franchise history yet, for some reason, it seems as though people are still determined to paint this narrative that their core, namely Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, cannot coexist together.
Ever since their Game 6 defeat against the much more seasoned Golden State Warriors, though there have been some who have praised the ball club for how well they played and how impressive their midseason turnaround proved to be, many others have sadly been busy trying to piece together hypothetical monster shakeups that, in their eyes, would bring the C’s closer to winning a chip.
Of course, the most notable conversation constructed during this time frame deals with the concept of Brown heading outbound in any number of potential blockbusters for some of the top-billed talents reportedly available on the block.
For those of you who are familiar with our work at HH, you’re likely aware of the fact that we truly believe that keeping hold of the young star wing, as well as the vast majority of the team’s main core for that matter, is the right course of action moving forward, as they have the makings of a potential dynasty.
That being said, the nails against a chalkboard screeching of these hypothetical JB talks have obviously made their way into the limelight and, in turn, back to the 25-year-old himself, which is something that people fear could lead to him potentially seeking a change of scenery down the road under his own accord.
Obviously, while we wish things don’t ever come to this, should he wind up looking for an out from the Boston Celtics one should expect a bevy of opportunities to present themselves, and Tarringo Basile-Vaughan of our sister-site, Chowder and Champions, recently compiled a list of potential trade ideas should this scenario ever become a reality.
With this, it inspired us at the Houdini to push out another installment of our favorite series we like to call “Pass or Pursue”, where we take proposed ideas pertaining to the franchise and discuss whether Boston should avoid having them become a reality or if they should actively try to make them happen.
So, without further ado, let’s get started:
Boston Celtics trade idea No. 1) A swap of Jaylen Brown for De’Aaron Fox
For the longest time, it has appeared as though one of the main weaknesses within the rotation for the Boston Celtics has been at the point guard position, for they’ve attempted and subsequently failed on numerous occasions to find a long-term franchise talent to man the one.
From Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving to Kemba Walker, the ball club has struck out on several big names to help them address the game’s most important position and, according to C&C, should Brown ask for an out from eastern Massachusetts, Brad Stevens and co. could once again look to find an answer at point via a trade with the Sacramento Kings.
De’Aaron Fox has proven himself to be one of the more electrifying young guards in the league today, yet, for some reason, these last few seasons Sacramento has been rumored to be interested in parting ways with his services.
Should this still remain the case, Basile-Vaughan believes that swapping Brown out for the 24-year-old could be a great way to not only finally get the answer they’ve been looking for within their backcourt, but also to better fill out their roster:
"As one of the most explosive point guards in the NBA, averaging 23.2 points per game, Fox would give the Celtics backcourt something like what they had in Kyrie Irving when health and his head was on straight. While the team would get a little smaller depending on what else is in the return package, a true point guard like Fox allows for Marcus Smart and Brogdon to play more of their natural two guard position with either of the two serving as the backup point guard."
Now, to us, while the concept of seeing a tandem of Fox and Jayson Tatum running alongside one another for the next several years to come sounds incredibly interesting and entertaining, as was alluded to in the actual article, over these last several months the Boston Celtics have actually spent a lot of time and energy trying to strengthen the one spot what with the additions of both Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon.
On top of this, Marcus Smart proved himself to be a highly capable fit at the starting point guard position last season, especially during their miraculous second-half surge and during their playoff run, where he averaged an impressive 15.4 points, 5.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on 35 percent shooting from deep through 21 games played.
Now, while there’s no denying that Fox would be one of the most talented players in recent memory to run point for the C’s, considering his lacking experience in guiding his teams to any semblance of success (throughout his career, not once have the Kings seen so much as a .500 record), coupled with the team’s already strong depth at the position, we can’t help but feel that the addition of the youngster at the expense of losing Brown may look nice on paper but has a realistic ability to turn into a major let-down.
Fox with both of the Jays in tow? Now that’s a chance we’d be willing to take.
With just one of them, however? Perhaps not.