The Atlanta Hawks are considered to be a star away, and there’s an ATL native who’s currently playing on a rebuilding team who’d be a perfect fit next to Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and, especially, Kristaps Porzingis.
Would Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens really trade Jaylen Brown, though? It’s possible, given the drastic moves he’s made all offseason, including sending Porzingis to the Hawks in July for Georges Niang, who Stevens has already traded to the Utah Jazz.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz believes Brown could be the next championship piece to go from the Celtics’ 2023-24 roster, deeming No. 7 an “ambitious” trade target for Atlanta, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“The Atlanta Hawks are knocking on the door to becoming a real contender in the East, although they're probably still a star away from catching the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks,” Swartz wrote.
“Jaylen Brown could change that.
“The 2024 NBA Finals MVP would be the perfect complement to Trae Young, Kristaps Porziņģis, Dyson Daniels and company, as a framework of a deal with the Boston Celtics would improve the C's frontcourt, save money and possibly add future draft capital.
“The Hawks should be keeping tabs on Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo and any other big name that could hit the market this season.”
Joe Mazzulla is leaning into fast-based offense even more in 2025-26, something Brown could thrive in, given his athleticism. But it’s unclear if he has enough talent around him to be in the most advantageous positions at this stage in his career as a former Finals MVP. Rebuilding is tough, but it’s tougher after being on a contender your entire career up until this point, and just a year and a few months removed from receiving your first ring.
With a distributor like Young, something he’s never had, Brown may be a better fit on the Hawks this season and indefinitely. Especially if the Celtics are committed to rebuilding around and to prepare for Jayson Tatum when he returns to the lineup.
If anything, Stevens just proved to Brown he doesn’t trust him with the franchise. Why feel inclined to stay through a rebuild?