If an NBA player doesn’t like the city they’re playing in, their team may have a problem. It might not matter how successful the team has been. Convincing a man to settle in a city they simply don’t like could prove challenging. In that event, a trade request becomes possible.
With that in mind, Jaylen Brown doesn’t seem too happy in Boston. We can’t say with any confidence that he’ll be a Celtic forever. He might be. If Brown qualifies for an All-NBA team this summer, only the Celtics can offer him a supermax.
With that said, if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t be surprising if Brown issued a trade request this summer. Here are three teams that could pursue him if he did.
New York Knicks
Of course, we’re linking the New York Knicks to Jaylen Brown. The Knicks could be linked to any star player. After all, this team has been stockpiling its draft capital for years. They’ve also got a number of exciting young players. If they want to make a move for a star player, they will have options.
Brown could be exactly what they need. The Knicks have ample playmaking between Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. They could use a 3-and-D forward who can create his own shot at an elite level.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & New York Knicks Updates
As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what RJ Barrett was supposed to be. So far, it hasn’t looked good. Brown could replace him, and make the Knicks contenders in the process. Provided he’d like to live in New York, that is.
Atlanta Hawks
If Jaylen Brown is concerned with the city he lives in, the Atlanta Hawks may have a leg up here. After all, he’s from the area. Of course, some players don’t opt to play for their home crowd. We’re not sure where Brown stands on that issue. Still, the more pressing question is whether this makes sense from a basketball perspective.
It could. The Hawks have had an underwhelming 2022-23 season. The Trae Young / Dejounte Murray pairing may not be a long-term answer. Don’t be surprised if they opt to make significant changes this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Atlanta Hawks Updates
They could trade Young. Alternatively, they could trade Murray and change. The Celtics could be interested in either. A hometown return for Brown is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets stick out like a sore thumb in this group. The Knicks appear likely to win a playoff series this season. Meanwhile, the Hawks likely will not, but at least they made it to the big dance. By contrast, the Rockets had the second-worst record in the NBA this season.
It feels like this organization is looking to change that. The Rockets owe their next first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder with top-4 protection. Nobody should be surprised if they aim to accelerate their rebuild this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
This team probably doesn’t have much that Boston would be interested in. Still, they do have the resources to make a compelling offer. If the Rockets can find a three-team deal with an organization that’s looking to blow up their core, they could be suitors for Brown. They’ll hope that he’s willing to call Space City home.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
