Celtics' Jaylen Brown Could Be Traded If Giannis Antetokounmpo Lands in Boston

The Boston Celtics are reportedly in talks to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that could send Jaylen Brown out of Boston. The Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks are among the teams speculated to be interested in Brown should a blockbuster trade materialize. Brown’s contract, which is worth $183 million over the next three seasons, makes him a high-value trade asset.

The Celtics are currently the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, largely due to Brown’s standout 2023-24 season. He averaged a career-high 23.6 points per game while shooting 43.7% from three-point range. The team’s success came despite Jayson Tatum missing significant time due to injury.

If the Bucks trade Antetokounmpo to Boston, they’re expected to prioritize draft picks and young assets over retaining Brown. The Blazers, who hold multiple future draft picks from the Bucks, could play a key role in facilitating the trade. This positions them to gain valuable assets while potentially acquiring Brown.

The Rockets are also in the mix, offering Brown a chance to reunite with his former coach, Ime Udoka, who led the Celtics to a title in 2024 before being fired mid-season. Udoka managed the Celtics’ roster during Brown’s breakout year, and the coaching connection could influence a potential move to Houston.

Atlanta’s interest is partly fueled by Brown’s Georgia roots. The Hawks have been rebuilding and could see Brown as a veteran leader to anchor their young core. However, landing Brown would require a significant trade package, including young players or high draft picks.

Brown, who turns 30 in October, is in the final stretch of his prime. His performance this season included a career-high 19.3 rebounds per game, showing a new dimension to his game as a two-way player. His versatility and leadership have been critical to Boston’s success.

The Bucks are expected to make a decision on Antetokounmpo’s future by the end of the month. If a deal involving Brown is finalized, it could reshape the Eastern Conference landscape. The Celtics, Blazers, Rockets, and Hawks are all positioning themselves to benefit from the potential blockbuster.