It’s been a hectic offseason for the Boston Celtics. Not only did they trade Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the NBA Draft, but they’ve also been mentioned in trade rumors involving Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and others.
With Jayson Tatum set to miss most (if not all) of next season with an Achilles injury, the Celtics opted to break up their 2024 championship roster to get younger and avoid the second apron. They may not be done making trades, however, as the offseason has only just begun.
On Monday’s episode of “Podcast P” with Paul George, Boston legend Paul Pierce shared his thoughts on the state of his former team.
Paul Pierce isn't a fan of the Celtics offseason so far ð³ "You don't like it … I hope they don't trade JB. As long as you got Tatum & Brown you can figure out the other pieces." pic.twitter.com/CxqQGHzHt3— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) June 30, 2025
“I still think their window is open. I hope they don’t trade JB though,” Pierce said. “As long as you got Tatum and Brown, you can figure out the other pieces. Because they’re still relatively young…They are in their prime, so you can say for the next six years, ‘Let’s see what’s up with these two.'”
Story continues below advertisement
Brown has already drawn trade interest from several teams over the past week, including the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz. The 28-year-old is entering the second season of his five-year, $303.7 million supermax extension.
A four-time All-Star, Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game last year. He’s expected to step up and lead the Celtics in Tatum’s absence next season, but that could change if Boston decides to part ways with him as well.
Pierce doesn’t want that to happen, however. He’d rather see the Celtics ride out Tatum’s injury, then rebuild around him and Brown. They’re still young enough that they could potentially win another title or two together if Tatum comes back healthy.
Trading Brown would completely alter Boston’s identity, and it seems unlikely for a team that could use some continuity next season. Nothing is ever off the table with Brad Stevens running the front office, however, especially if he gets an offer he can’t refuse.
Story continues below advertisement