Five Potential Trade Destinations if the Celtics Move Jaylen Brown
James Willis | June 8, 2026
Jaylen Brown has made it clear he wants to remain in Boston. Celtics president Brad Stevens has also publicly downplayed recent trade speculation. However, after an early playoff exit and with the NBA’s financial restrictions becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, the Celtics must evaluate every possible option this offseason.
Brown remains one of the league’s premier two-way players after averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season. If Boston ever decided to move him, there would be no shortage of interested teams.
These five destinations are presented in no particular order and represent some of the most intriguing possibilities.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit may have the strongest collection of young assets available. The Pistons finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference before falling in a seven-game series against Cleveland. Cade Cunningham has developed into a legitimate superstar, but Detroit could still use another elite scorer capable of carrying an offense during playoff games.
A package featuring players such as Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II would immediately get Boston’s attention. Thompson has already established himself as an elite defender, while Holland remains one of the league’s more intriguing young prospects. Combined with future draft picks, Detroit has the resources to make a serious offer.
Milwaukee Bucks
The most obvious blockbuster scenario involves Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Milwaukee decides it must consider life after Giannis, Brown is one of the few players capable of anchoring a return package. For Boston, pairing Antetokounmpo with Jayson Tatum would immediately keep the Celtics among the championship favorites.
The financial concerns would remain, but elite players rarely become available. If Giannis reaches the market, Boston would almost certainly explore the possibility.
Atlanta Hawks
Brown’s Georgia roots make Atlanta a natural talking point whenever trade rumors surface. The Hawks have several young pieces that could interest Boston, including Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu. Both players would fit the Celtics’ desire to remain competitive while also getting younger.
The Hawks would gain a proven playoff performer capable of complementing Jalen Johnson and giving Atlanta another high-level scoring option on the wing
New Orleans Pelicans
A deal with New Orleans could help Boston balance competing now and building for the future. One proposal discussed by Celtics insiders centers around Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III. Murphy has emerged as one of the league’s better young wings, while Murray brings experience, scoring, and playmaking.
The appeal for Boston would be adding multiple quality players while improving long-term roster flexibility. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, depth has become almost as valuable as star power.
Los Angeles Clippers
This may be the most controversial option on the list. A potential deal involving Kawhi Leonard and the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has been floated as a possibility. Leonard remains a highly productive player when healthy and would help Boston remain competitive immediately.
The bigger attraction may be the draft pick. Adding a top-five selection would allow the Celtics to bring in a young, affordable contributor at a time when building a roster is becoming increasingly difficult.
No matter how much speculation surfaces this summer, the most likely outcome remains Brown staying in Boston. However, if the Celtics decide a major roster change is necessary, these five teams stand out as some of the most logical trade partners. The challenge will be finding a package valuable enough to convince Boston to move one of the franchise’s cornerstones.
