The Boston Celtics struck out on their blockbuster pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now the fallout could reshape their roster. After reports surfaced that Boston offered Jaylen Brown along with two first-round picks to Milwaukee—only to see the Bucks ship the two-time MVP to Miami—the Celtics find themselves in a delicate spot. Other teams are circling, ready to test whether the relationship between Brown and the franchise has soured enough to force a deal.
According to NBC Sports' Kurt Hellin, the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks would jump “to the front of the line” if Boston makes Brown available. Hellin also noted that the Portland Trail Blazers could join the fray. The buzz has only intensified after ESPN insider Brian Windhorst predicted a full-blown bidding war on Tuesday's Get Up.
“Now, what I expect to happen is a bidding war for Jaylen Brown from other teams in the league,” Windhorst said. “In the most recent days, teams had been preparing for this eventuality, that it wouldn’t be the Boston Celtics who won the Giannis sweepstakes, that there would be a Jaylen Brown market. So, we’re gonna watch that.”
ESPN's Shams Charania added that the Celtics and Brown will need to have “hard conversations” about his future. Charania reported that Boston’s offer to Milwaukee included Brown and two first-round picks, but the Celtics refused to part with young players like Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman. Later, on The Pat McAfee Show, Charania clarified that while Boston is listening to offers, they are not “actively shopping” the 10-year veteran.
Brown is coming off a career season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while finishing sixth in MVP voting. He kept the Celtics competitive as Jayson Tatum recovered from a torn Achilles. A trade to Houston could reunite him with Kevin Durant, whom Boston also tried to acquire by offering Brown back in 2022. The Hawks, who went 46-36 last season, lack a front-line scorer after trading Trae Young and could see Brown as the missing piece.
The situation echoes the recent Jaylen Brown slams ESPN as 'unethical,' Stephen A. Smith as its face drama, highlighting the star's willingness to speak out. Meanwhile, Bucks legend Michael Redd opens up about Giannis trade: 'It's just time' provides context on why Milwaukee moved on. For Boston, the clock is ticking. With multiple suitors ready to pounce, the Celtics must decide whether to rebuild around Brown or cash in on his value now.
