Between the way the Celtics’ season ended, the Twitch stream comments from Jaylen Brown, and the commentary from Tracy McGrady, there has been no shortage of rumors about JB’s future in Boston. But this is nothing new. The second there’s a trace of adversity for the Celtics, the media can’t wait to start pitting the Jays against each other and dying to see them split up.
And like usual, it already looks like this wild speculation was completely overblown.
In Brad Stevens’ end-of-year presser, he expressed that he had heard nothing about Brown being frustrated and that all was well between the two sides. Then, JB went on another stream and insisted that he loves Boston and would love to play there for the rest of his career. He explained all of his comments and further downplayed any frustration.
T-Mac clears the air about his JB comments
And then on Saturday, Tracy McGrady, who played a big role in starting these rumors, made a huge clarification on NBC before the tip-off of Game 3 between the Cavaliers and Pistons. T-Mac, who’s known to be a close friend and mentor to Brown, clarified that his comments on his podcast with Vince Carter were simply his own opinions and that he was speaking as an analyst only.
He also said that none of his comments were based on any conversations that he had with JB, and made it sound like they haven’t even talked since the end of the season.
In an unrelated event, The Athletic published a story on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future by Eric Nehm and Sam Amick, which reported that a team source and a league source separately and independently confirmed that Brown has no frustrations with the Celtics organization.
Trading Brown not outside the realm of possibility
So, here’s the thing. The Celtics may still end up trading Jaylen this summer. But it won’t be for any of the nonsensical reasons put forth by the media and fans. I think for now, we can put to bed any thoughts of Brown wanting out of Boston.
At the same time, the reality of the situation is that the team just proved it’s not good enough, and Stevens made it clear that they need better personnel. JB has a massive contract, and he’s eligible for a two-year, $142 million extension in July that would run through the end of the 2030-2031 season.
If the Celtics think they can go out and make a meaningful upgrade, and the best path to doing so is by trading Brown, that’s a reasonable conclusion. It would be devastating for Boston. But professional sports can be cruel. It’s not crazy to imagine a world where Brad and company decide the best path forward is with a player like Giannis, who can only be acquired by surrendering JB.
That would be a tough pill to swallow for Celtics fans who love Jaylen. But it would be hard not to get on board with a team led by Giannis and Jayson Tatum, two of the top five (or so) players alive. But let’s get one thing straight. If the Celtics do trade Brown, it’s only going to be for basketball reasons, and not because JB and the Celtics are at odds.
Add us as a preferred source on Google