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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 04: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at the TD Garden on March 04, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics have become one of the best teams in the NBA. They sit second in the Eastern Conference standings, and they have played most of the season without Jayson Tatum. This year, Jaylen Brown has been the best player for Boston.
Brown is having the best season of his career. He is averaging just over 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per game. All of his shooting stats are up from last season, as well. He has turned into a true number-one option for this team.
While Brown is having his best season in the NBA, it almost didn’t happen. Brown actually revealed that he wanted out of Boston, and Tracy McGrady kept him with the Celtics.
Jaylen Brown Says Tracy McGrady Kept Him From Asking for a Trade From the Celtics
In an appearance on Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Brown revealed that McGrady talked him out of asking for a trade back in 2019.
“I’m thinking like one thing, and he’s like, ‘Nah, you got to stay. It’s going to be you.’ He’s telling me all of the stuff that all just manifested itself. It’s crazy looking back at it now.”
McGrady says that he had to be someone who could give counsel to Brown while he was very emotional after losing to the Bucks in the playoffs.
“I felt like I had to be the voice of reason because I know once you’re actually in it, you have different emotions. I’m not attached to it because I don’t have those emotions.”
Brown obviously decided to stay in Boston and eventually won a championship in 2022. He was also the NBA Finals MVP in that season, as well. This year, Brown has a chance to lead the Celtics to another championship if Tatum is able to get back to his old self.
Jaylen Brown Deserves to be in the MVP Conversation
While it’s unlikely Brown will win MVP, he deserves to be in the conversation. He is the best player on a team that was expected to be a lottery team that is second in the East. Brown will almost certainly be a First Team All-NBA selection when the year ends.
The Celtics have the second-best offense in the league, and Tatum has only played a few games. Most of that is because of how well Brown has played this season as the top scoring option. He should finish in the top-five in MVP voting.
Boston is still just three-and-a-half games behind the Pistons for the top spot in the East. If they can somehow finish the season at the top of the East, that will strengthen Brown’s MVP case. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is almost certainly going to win the award as long as he stays healthy.
The Celtics wouldn’t have won the title back in 2023 had Brown asked for a trade. They also wouldn’t be the title contenders they are this season without him on the roster. McGrady helped save the Celtics from a fork in the road moment.