Jaylen Brown, Aaron Gordon's Top Trade Landing Spots After 2026 NBA Draft
The NBA draft saw teams load up with talent from the collegiate ranks and overseas. Now, teams will try to bolster their squads in free agency and through trades.
A handful of notable players could be on the move this offseason, including Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown and Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon.
Here are a couple of landing spots for those two former champions.
Jaylen Brown's Top Landing Spots
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Brown is coming off the best season of his career, in which he put up 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Despite the MVP-caliber year, the Celtics reportedly are open to trading him, even after missing out on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets reportedly are open to dealing just about any member of their roster, which indicates they're hoping to get a star in return.
Houston has some players that might entice Boston, like Alperen SengĆ¼nĀ or even Kevin Durant, and that will be needed in a potential package as the Celtics look to remain contenders in the East.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers were a team often mentioned as a landing spot for Brown in a three-team deal for Antetokounmpo, but Portland's interest in the former Finals MVP likely still remains.
The potential hurdle would be the lack of star power Portland could offer Boston, unless it is willing to part ways with Deni Avdija.
Portland is coming off a tremendous season of growth that saw it make the playoffs for the first time since 2021. With a star in the making in Avdija on the roster, pairing him alongside Brown would make the Trail Blazers a team to watch in the West.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have also been linked to Brown, and he would presumably be in favor of being moved to Atlanta.
Brown is from nearby Marietta, Georgia, so being traded to the Hawks would give him the chance to play for his hometown team.
Atlanta is also a team on the rise, being the only squad that beat the Knicks more than once in the playoffs. The Hawks still need a star, though, and Brown fits the mold.
Aaron Gordon's Top Landing Spots
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Gordon has played a valuable role since arriving in Denver, but the team might be looking to shake things up after a few years of shortcomings in the playoffs.
With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray presumably off the table, Gordon could have the most trade value. He's coming off a season in which he averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 boards per game, though he played just 36 games.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers, after missing the playoffs last year, must decide whether to head towards a rebuild or try to win now.
If they choose the latter, Aaron Gordon should be considered for a trade. Los Angeles has a strong core with Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, but could use some front-court depth.
Gordon has championship experience and could be the missing piece for the Clippers this offseason.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs aren't far from being penciled into the Finals next year, but they still need to stay aggressive this offseason.
While Julian Champagnie put together a few solid games throughout the postseason, Gordon would be a pretty upgrade to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Gordon's versatility would give the Spurs someone capable of taking some of the pressure off Wembanyama in the paint as well as someone who can spot up in the corner.
The biggest question here could be whether the Nuggets are willing to do business with a team they could see in the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
After a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, the Celtics are sure to make some moves this offseason.
Boston is adept at getting value out of veteran big men, and Gordon could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
The Celtics missed out on Antetokounmpo, but still have the chance to make a big addition this offseason in the form of Gordon.
