The Boston Celtics were expected to make some major roster changes this offseason, no matter how the team's 2025 playoff run turned out.
Given the impending luxury tax penalties facing the franchise if they keep this group intact, the new ownership group likely won't want to walk into a situation where their roster costs upwards of $500 million. This was all before Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, which only adds to the issues Brad Stevens will have to consider when approaching the offseason.
There are several ways he can elect to go in terms of shedding salary while adding pieces to the puzzle that will align with Tatum once he is back in the fold. We've heard names like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis being potential trade candidates this summer, but it wouldn't be the most shocking thing in the world if Jaylen Brown was rumored to be on the move at some point as well.
Celtics Move Jaylen Brown to the Rockets in Latest Projected Trade
Should trading Brown become a viable option for the Celtics, the Houston Rockets could be a franchise willing to make a move given the connection between Brown and Rockets coach Ime Udoka. The two are familiar with one another and their respective tendencies from their time together in Boston. Houston needs an alpha dog to take control in crunch time, and Brown could be their man for the right price.
Shipping Brown to the Rockets in exchange for younger pieces in Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason would extend Boston's timeline to maximize its championship window with Tatum. It would also provide Houston with a player who could be the veteran looked to by the younger teammates who play big minutes.
Giving up a player who has enjoyed the type of success that Brown has since coming to Boston is a tough thing to do. Difficult decisions need to be made all the time in professional sports though and this could be the best way for the Celtics to remain contenders at the top of the Eastern Conference for years to come.