Jaylen Brown Trade Rumors: Will the Celtics Move Their All-Star for Draft Picks in 2025?

By Edcel Panganiban June 07, 2025 10:28

The Boston Celtics are entering a critical offseason marked by financial constraints and roster uncertainty, with trade rumors swirling around star forward Jaylen Brown. As the team faces a projected luxury tax bill exceeding $238 million and the reality of Jayson Tatum’s extended absence due to a torn Achilles, the possibility of moving Brown to acquire draft capital and ease salary cap pressures has become a focal point of NBA discussions.

Financial Pressures and Roster Challenges

Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, is set to earn $53.1 million in the 2025-26 season, making his contract one of the largest burdens on Boston’s payroll. With Tatum sidelined for most of the upcoming season, Brown remains the Celtics’ primary “go-to” scorer and defensive anchor. However, the hefty financial commitment and luxury tax implications have forced Boston’s front office to consider bold moves. According to multiple reports, including from Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Celtics are open to exploring trade options involving Brown, especially if the right package of young talent and draft picks is presented.

Potential Trade Partners and Packages

Among the teams linked to Brown, the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a notable suitor. The Spurs, holding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and boasting young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, could offer a combination of high draft capital and promising young players. Mannix suggested that while San Antonio covets a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, acquiring Brown might be a more realistic and financially viable option for them.

Other teams reportedly interested include the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. The Hawks could reunite Brown with his hometown fans and pair him alongside Trae Young and Jalen Johnson, while the Sixers might look to shake up their roster by involving players like Paul George in a multi-team trade. However, the Celtics’ priority remains securing significant draft assets to replenish their talent pipeline and manage salary commitments.

Trade Scenarios and Strategic Considerations

Trade concepts have circulated widely, with NBA analyst Bill Simmons proposing packages that include young talent and draft picks in exchange for Brown. The Celtics’ motivation is clear: shedding Brown’s massive contract would provide much-needed salary cap relief and flexibility to navigate the offseason, especially with other key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis also potentially on the move.

Yet, Boston’s decision is complicated by Brown’s on-court value. Averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season, Brown is a versatile two-way player whose departure would leave a significant void. The Celtics must balance the immediate competitive impact against long-term financial health and roster construction.

What’s Next for Brown and the Celtics?

For now, the Celtics appear cautious about making a move. Sources suggest that while trade calls are being entertained, the team is not in a rush to part ways with Brown, especially as they prepare for a challenging season without Tatum. Brown himself remains a key figure in Boston’s plans, providing leadership and elite production.

However, the offseason is still young, and with the NBA’s complex salary cap rules and draft dynamics, the Celtics’ roster could look very different by the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Acquiring draft picks and young talent in exchange for Brown could accelerate a retooling process aimed at long-term sustainability.

Jaylen Brown’s trade rumors encapsulate the Boston Celtics’ difficult offseason balancing act between financial realities and competitive ambitions. While Brown’s talent and leadership make him invaluable on the court, his sizable contract amid luxury tax pressures makes him a logical trade candidate. Whether the Celtics ultimately decide to keep their All-Star or move him for draft picks and salary relief will significantly shape the franchise’s future trajectory. As the offseason progresses, Brown’s status will remain one of the NBA’s most closely watched storylines.