Celtics Star Had Surprise Role in Luka Doncic Trade

The Boston Celtics have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, owning a top-three record in the NBA.

They are defending champs and seek to continue their dominance. Last year, the Celtics took the Dallas Mavericks down in five games to win their first championship since 2008. During that Finals run, Jaylen Brown was lights out on both ends of the floor en route to winning Finals MVP.

Now the latest report reveals that Brown's performance played a role in the Dallas Mavericks trading away Luka Doncic.

Marc Spears of Andscape and ESPN said, "What he [Jaylen Brown] did to Luka in the Finals, shutting him down, guarding him full court, making it unbearable offensively, led Dallas to questioning Luka as the leader of the team, and questioning whether he was in shape or not," during an appearance on the Cedric Maxwell Podcast.

Jaylen Brown Played a Factor in Luka Doncic Trade

In the NBA Finals, Brown was the primary defender against Doncic and significantly impacted his production.

Across 154 possessions, Brown held Doncic to 21 points. He shot 9-of-22 from the field (40.8) and 2-of-8 from beyond the arc (25%). In addition, he committed five turnovers and two shooting fouls. For an All-NBA player, Brown did an exceptional job limiting him.

And seven months later, the Mavs moved on from Doncic and this performance played a role in that. The Mavs had concerns regarding Doncic's weight and conditioning to pair with their doubts from the NBA Finals.

It obviously doesn't make Boston feel better that one of the league's superstars is on the rival Lakers but to have one of your stars play a role in his departure has to feel good.

During the NBA Finals, Brown averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists but it was his defense that caught the attention of Mavs management.

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