One NBA writer is proposing that the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks make a blockbuster trade this summer centered around Jaylen Brown.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report is proposing the following three-team trade involving the Celtics, Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. The deal would put an end to the Damian Lillard trade saga by sending him to Boston, instead of the Miami Heat.
Jaylen Brown to the Knicks; Damian Lillard and a 2024 first-round pick (top-12 protected, from NYK via WAS) to the Boston Celtics; RJ Barrett, Malcolm Brogdon, Quentin Grimes, Jericho Sims, a 2026 first-round pick (from NYK), a 2028 first-round pick (from NYK) and a 2027 first-round pick swap (from BOS) to the Portland Trail Blazers
Brown is eligible to sign a designated veteran extension with the Celtics this summer. The star swingman averaged 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season for Boston. Brown has one year left on his contract. He will make $28.5 million next season and hit unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2024 if the Celtics don’t sign him to an extension.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & New York Knicks Updates
Barrett has the potential to become something similar to Brown. As a shape-shifting defender, Brown can carry an offense on his own or share the spotlight with his teammates. With Brown, Brunson, and Randle, New York could move into the championship discussion. Knicks’ top-eight rotation might be as strong as any with the likes of Immanuel Quickley, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games, while the Knicks lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games. Boston is expected to sign Brown to a supermax extension this offseason, but if a deal isn’t reached, it’s possible Brown could get upset and ask for a trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & New York Knicks Updates
The Celtics and Brown are negotiating a five-year, $295 million supermax contract. Boston is believed to be offering Brown the full five-year max, but the holdup is most likely over a fifth-year player option and/or a trade kicker.
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