Celtics Future, Title Hopes Hinge on Trading Jaylen Brown Amid NBA Rumors After Giannis to Heat

The Boston Celtics' failed attempt to trade Jaylen Brown as part of a package for Giannis Antetokounmpo does not mean the organization is finished making, or taking, calls for the All-Star forward.

During ESPN's NBA Draft coverage, insider Shams Charania reported that this is exactly what Boston is doing, but cautioned that, despite what teams believe is the intent to deal him, it does not necessarily mean a deal will happen.

Especially with three years remaining on Brown's supermax contract and extension eligibility this season.

While it seems laughable to suggest the team's future hinges on trading a player whose superb play carried the Celtics through the regular season, with Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles, there is reason for Boston to execute a trade if a partner presents itself.

First, the contract.

Brown's contract carries a $57,078,728 cap hit this season, which balloons to north of $61 million after that, and finally, $64 million in the 2028-29 season. The Celtics are operating well above the NBA's salary cap apron and could stand to shed some money if they wish to add quality depth to the roster.

Finding a trade partner who wants to bolster its roster with a player of Brown's caliber, and is more suited to carry that hefty a contract, would help the Eastern Conference squad do just that.

Second, there is the fallout from the trade.

After playing such a pivotal role in carrying Boston to the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and getting the team back to the postseason, all while averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, it would be understandable if Brown was a bit peeved that he was deemed expendable in the team's pursuit of Antetokounmpo.

Add to that team president Brad Stevens having to downplay rumors after the season of grievances and frustrations between the two sides, and you have a situation that could spiral, especially if potential extension talks do not progress smoothly.

With potentially hurt feelings, big contracts, and the future outlook all at play, it is in the best interest of the Celtics to listen to offers and pull the proverbial trigger on a Brown trade if and when the situation presents itself.

Avoid unwanted media attention and distractions, net any assets that would come with it, and look to build the next championship contender with Tatum still at the forefront.

All while Brown, who proved himself as that 1A player this past season, has a chance to go elsewhere and be that star for another squad.