Ranking star guards the Celtics could trade Jaylen Brown for this offseason
By Tyler Watts
The Boston Celtics could undergo a significant roster overhaul this summer as the NBA’s new second tax apron kicks in. The harshest penalties kick in during the summer of 2024, but Boston must plan as Jaylen Brown enters the final year of his contract. The Celtics have to extend him or the two-time All-Star will be gone.
Keeping Brown would take a supermax contract and mean losing Grant Williams in free agency. Is Boston prepared to do that? The only other option is trading Jaylen Brown.
If the Celtics move on from the 26-year-old, they will certainly be looking to get a star back. Can Boston get someone better in return? What star guards could be available this summer? Here is a look at the four that could hit the trade market.
Ranking star guards the Celtics could trade Jaylen Brown for this offseason
4. Trae Young
It feels like every possibility is on the table for the Hawks this summer after a second straight first-round playoff exit. Would they consider trading Young? He is one of the league’s best shot-creators, but his defensive concerns are massive. With Dejounte Murray already on their roster, the Hawks would likely have interest in adding Jaylen Brown to form a dynamic two-way backcourt.
The Celtics could use some ball-handling and playmaking help, but would they go for Ice Trae? The 6’1 guard would dominate the ball, which takes touches away from Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart. That could help their offense, but their defense would certainly be worse by swapping Brown for Young.
There is plenty of skepticism on the Celtics’ side. Boston was second in defensive rating last season, but would it go from strength to weakness after adding Young? They would have Marcus Smart and Derrick White to defend on the ball along with Tatum and Robert Williams for support, but hiding Young is difficult, especially in the playoffs.
Young is locked up for at least three more years at $40-plus million per season. The Celtics would know the cost, but it is an easy argument to make that they are better off with Jaylen Brown.
If Trae Young is off the board, who could the Boston Celtics target if they decide to trade Jaylen Brown this summer? Would a package featuring an All-Star wing make sense?