The Boston Celtics have reached an offseason crossroads. This season's second-round exit stings, and now with Jayson Tatum recovering from a ruptured Achilles, the window to contend feels narrow. Add in the bruising financial blow of being over the NBA’s second apron, with projected luxury and repeater taxes nearing a staggering $238 million, and it’s clear: Boston needs breathing room.
In that context, Jaylen Brown becomes the most realistic big-ticket trade chip. His prime-age two-way play makes him exceptionally valuable but not untouchable. Moving him could save around $53 million next season, drop the team under the second apron, and restore roster flexibility. While not the franchise’s preferred path, league chatter suggests they’re listening if a blockbuster offer lands.
That's why we’ll unveil five top-tier trade packages that could help Boston balance competitive drive with financial flexibility as they navigate the best trade packages they can receive for 4-time All-Star Jaylen Brown.
Cleveland Cavaliers Present A Deal That Might Not Be Rejected
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, 2025 No. 49 Overall pick, 2025 No. 58 Overall pick
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser
The Cavaliers' pitch is appealing: Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen (along with two picks) for Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser offers Boston a plug-and-play duo ready to contribute immediately. Garland, a two-time All-Star, averaged 20.6 PPG and 6.7 APG on a blistering 47.2% FG and 40.1% 3PT in 2024-25, though he’ll miss roughly 4-5 months recovering from toe surgery.
He’s signed for five more years (about $36.7M in 2025-26) and gives Boston a younger, long-term backcourt building block. At 25, he’s lightly tread and already commands top-of-the-line impact.
Jarrett Allen complements him impeccably. The 6'11" rim protector posted elite efficiency last year, 70.6% shooting, 9.7 rebounds per game, and is a defensive anchor.
His three-year, $91M extension (covering through 2028-29 at around $30M/year) reflects Cleveland’s intention to lock him into their core. His presence offers Boston toughness and rim coverage, while clarity on his contract stability offsets uncertainty.
Financially, Boston sheds Brown’s massive $53M salary and Hauser’s $10-12M extension hit, easing their second-apron burden, with luxury tax penalties projected into ten figures. In return, they take on Garland and Allen’s combined $65M, but gain two ascending stars under team control.
Cleveland offloads a costly wing and shooter, creates a new Big Three with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, and retains financial flexibility. The trade would clear over $20M for Boston, crucial to avoid crippling second-apron restrictions, and still keeps them competitive. Many would argue it’s a savvy trade-off: youth, production, and cap relief in one balanced swing.
Houston Rockets Going All-In With Their Offer
Jan 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after being called for his fifth personal foul against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Toyota Center.
Jan 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after being called for his fifth personal foul against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Toyota Center.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, 2025 No. 10 Overall pick, 2031 First-Round pick
Houston Rockets Receive: Jaylen Brown
The Houston Rockets are making a bold move here, offering a tantalizing mix of youth, upside, and draft capital. Jalen Green, 23, has averaged 21.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 3.4 APG across 82 games in 2024‑25, with efficiency numbers trending upward (42.3% FG, 35.4% 3PT).
Green has great potential and is locked under contract until 2026-27 as a high-upside scorer. Jabari Smith Jr., just 22, brings 12.2 PPG and 7.0 RPG on 43.8% shooting last season, a modern stretch four with defensive potential.
Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in 2024, is still developing, averaging 4.4 PPG in limited minutes, yet boasts elite pedigree: Summer League dominance and plenty of potential.
This outlook positions Boston for a future-focused rebuild with explosive upside. Green gives them youth at a position of need, and one big winter-upside scoring threat. Smith Jr. can grow into a high-level 3&D forward alongside Tatum in the frontcourt, while Sheppard offers floor-spacing and playmaking at rookie cost.
Plus, the 2025 No. 10 pick adds another lottery ticket for the Celtics to accumulate assets, and the future pick will do nothing but help as well. Houston gets a proven two-way talent in Brown and can accelerate their timeline into contention, building around Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson with an All-NBA player.
That said, there’s risk. Green’s inconsistency in the playoffs has drawn skepticism, even Stephen A. Smith questioned his readiness as the face of a franchise despite flashes of 38-point brilliance. Smith Jr. is still rounding into form, and Sheppard is unproven at the NBA level (he missed time recently with a thumb injury).
But Boston is gambling on upside and control: three players under 23, locked into team-friendly deals. For Celtics looking for reinvention and cap relief, this package hits the sweet spot between potential and price, and might just be the most energetic, forward-looking proposal they’ll get.
A Juicy Spurs Deal With Plenty Of Assets
Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard-forward Devin Vassell (24) dribbles the ball upcourt in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard-forward Devin Vassell (24) dribbles the ball upcourt in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 No. 2 Overall pick, 2027 First-Round pick, 2030 First-Round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Jaylen Brown
The San Antonio Spurs bring their trademark draft capital to the table: Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, the 2025 No. 2 overall pick, plus 2027 and 2030 first-rounders. Vassell just signed a five-year, $146M deal after scoring a career-high 37 points in March on 44.3% shooting and elite defense.
Castle was the 2025 Rookie of the Year (14.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG), still ascending with 3-and-D potential and playmaking polish. Sochan brings versatile energy with 11.4 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 2024-25. That No. 2 pick is tantalizing as Boston could draft a high-ceiling rookie, plug him alongside Tatum, and the future looks bright.
Overall, this trade is reasonable. Boston gains three core rotation players on controlled deals plus multiple picks, while shedding Brown's $53M salary to drop under the dreaded second apron, without sacrificing competitive timeline. San Antonio grabs a veteran All-Star wing who fits their timeline and boosts their profile in the West.
This is a classic Spurs blueprint: sacrifice major star power to accrue future-building blocks. For Boston, it’s an elegant balance: youth, cost control, and upside without giving up Tatum, Holiday, or Porzingis.
An Interesting Brooklyn Nets Proposition
Nov 17, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) brings the ball up in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) brings the ball up in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Cam Thomas (sign-and-trade), Noah Clowney, 2025 No. 8 Overall pick, 2027 First-Round pick (via Philadelphia), 2031 First-Round pick
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jaylen Brown
Brooklyn's offer mixes in present and future upside.Cam Thomas, via sign-and-trade, would slot as a high-volume scoring combo guard, averaging 24.0 PPG and 3.8 APG in a career year in 2024-25.
His shot volume and efficiency could thrive with more room in Boston’s rotation. Noah Clowney, a rangy, defensive-minded wing at 6’10", was a second-round gem in 2024 with runway to develop. Brooklyn also sends the 2025 No. 8 pick plus 2027 and 2031 first-rounders via Philly, nicely staggered assets to rebuild on multiple fronts.
From Boston’s side, they turn Brown into an instant scoring punch, defensive switchability, and three firsts without breaking the bank on long-term deals. They sacrifice future rotation upside for present-day utility, making this a win-now play under Tatum’s return.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, finally finds their franchise cornerstone without having to take too much of a gamble for a player of Zion Williamson's caliber. It’s a moderate swing for both sides to stay competitive, but leaves plenty of post-trade tinkering to be done.
OKC Giving Everything Away Except The Stars
Aaron Wiggins
Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, Nikola Topic, 2025 No. 24 Pick, 2028 First-Round pick (DAL), 2029 First-Round pick (DEN, Lottery Pick)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Jaylen Brown
Oklahoma City’s package is a masterclass in low-risk, high-upside asset accumulation, and it gives Boston a treasure trove of future flexibility. Let’s break it down: Boston would receive Aaron Wiggins (age 26, $9.7M cap hit, 2025-26) and Isaiah Joe (age 25, around $12M/year through 2027), two dependable wings with 3‑and‑D traits locked in on team-friendly deals.
Kenrich Williams ($7.2M through 2026) and Nikola Topic ($5.2M next season) add rotational depth and positional flexibility at bargain costs. OKC keeps its core intact while having room to absorb Brown’s $53M hit and maintain lavish future options for Chet, Jalen, and Shai.
On top of the cap-controlled veterans, Boston lands a respectable haul of picks: a 2025 No. 24 that could flip or stash, 2028 first-rounder from Dallas, and 2029 first-rounder from Denver, both projected lottery-protected assets. That trio gives the Celtics championship-capable draft currency without mortgaging prime picks, smoothing salary stress, and sustaining draft equity.
From OKC’s perspective, they shed medium contracts and picks to avoid the looming salary-cap apron headache, cushioning their timeline with Chet, Jalen, and Shai locked for years to come.
Boston benefits by turning Brown into cost-controlled role players and quality picks, an ideal balance of present value and future upside. It’s the kind of strategic reset worth Albert and Brad taking a serious look at.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us onGoogle News. We appreciate your support.