One NBA writer is proposing that the Portland Trail Blazers acquire All-Star small forward Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics this summer.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Blazers trade Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, and the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for Brown. The idea begins with factoring in any potential hesitation for Boston to offer Brown a five-year, $295 million extension after an underwhelming Eastern Conference Finals performance.
Brown would bring the Blazers an intriguing boost on the wing but wouldn’t do so while parting with Shaedon Sharpe — leaving them with an intriguing potential trio on the perimeter for the foreseeable future with Damian Lillard leading the charge.
“Brown is the perfect addition to this roster, able to be a secondary scoring option to Damian Lillard while playing strong defense on the wing,” Swartz wrote. “If Shaedon Sharpe can develop into a star, Portland will have three elite offensive options to lean on.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Celtics would rely on Simons to fill a substantial scoring role to fill the void left behind by trading away Brown. The defensive versatility that Little provides would be considered a helpful addition to a team that is already well equipped to contend.
“Simons becomes an immediate starter in Boston after averaging 21.1 points per game this season, taking over Brown’s sidekick role,” Swartz explained. “Little can defend multiple positions, and the Celtics can shop the No. 3 overall pick in the draft for some win-now help alongside Jayson Tatum, Simons, Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Robert Williams III, and others.”
Brown averaged 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists during the regular season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line. He is eligible to sign a designated veteran extension with the Celtics this summer since he made an All-NBA team this season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Blazers need another star next to superstar point guard Damian Lillard, so the franchise should think about trading for Brown, who is an elite two-way player. Portland won only 33 games this season. The franchise could possibly make some noise next season if the front office acquires Brown and re-signs Jerami Grant.
Brown has career averages of 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He turns 27 next season and has never missed the playoffs since entering the NBA in 2016.
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