The Boston Celtics may explore trading 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown this summer due to massive luxury tax concerns, with the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers emerging as potential suitors.
The Boston Celtics are heading into a crucial summer, and the front office will need to get creative as they navigate serious financial challenges.
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown
MIN: 34.6
PTS: 22.18 (52.91%)
REB: 6.01
As: 4.45
ST: 1.14
BL: 0.3
TO: 2.72
GM: 74
Boston will be without Jayson Tatum to start the 2025–26 season, who's recovering from a torn Achilles. With major salary cap concerns looming, the Celtics could look like a very different team come October.
The biggest issue? Luxury tax penalties.
The Celtics are on track to face over $238 million in tax payments, pushing them to consider bold moves, including the possibility of trading 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
If Brown becomes available, plenty of teams would line up to make an offer.
According to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, two Eastern Conference teams, the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers, could make serious pushes.
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
For the Hawks, acquiring Brown would bring the Georgia native back home and give them a dynamic Big Three alongside Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. The local connection and Atlanta's desire to shake up its roster make this a logical target.
The Sixers, despite being a division rival, could also be involved. If Philadelphia were to pursue Brown, they'd likely have to include Paul George in the deal, with a third team involved to help Boston shed salary.
Brown, 28, played 63 games this past season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals—production that will make him one of the league's most valuable trade assets if the Celtics put him on the market.
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