The sports world could be shaken by a seismic trade involving one of the NBA’s brightest stars. While the Boston Celtics navigate the reality of life without Jayson Tatum, the San Antonio Spurs are positioning themselves as potential suitors for a player who could transform their championship aspirations overnight.
Why Would the Boston Celtics Consider Trading Jaylen Brown?
The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs appear to be on divergent paths heading into the 2025-26 season. Boston seems to be in retool mode following the Achilles tear suffered by Tatum, which simultaneously ended their hopes in the playoffs against the New York Knicks this past season, and likely cost them a shot at a title in 2025-26 in his absence.
Meanwhile, the Spurs have a real shot at making significant inroads into the loaded Western Conference thanks in large part to their lanky French star Victor Wembanyama and some astute roster building.
For Boston, due to the realities of being deep in the second luxury tax apron, they made the tough decision to retool and trade off pieces such as Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and allow valuable role players Al Horford and Luke Kornet to leave in free agency. As of now, they look to be heading into the 2025-26 campaign with two-way star Jaylen Brown leading the way alongside Derrick White.
The plans could always change if Brad Stevens continues to wish to reload the roster. If that is the case, it’s predicted that the San Antonio Spurs would jump at the opportunity to land the four-time All-Star Brown and strengthen their title push with Wembanyama.
How Could the Spurs Land the $285 Million Star?
PFSN recently looked at potential big-name trade candidates for each team. One of which was Brown being potentially traded to the Spurs.
Brown is on a $285 million deal, due $53 million this coming season. Boston would be wise to hold on to him. He’s one of the best two-way players in the league, and won Finals MVP in 2024 for the Celtics’ recent championship team.
Furthermore, he loves the team and the city. He’s taken a deep emotional bond with the fans, city, and the community. For Celtics fans, the feeling is very much mutual. Brown described Boston as his home away from home at an event in June: “I’m a Bostonian now.”
For Celtics fans worried about losing him, Shams Charania of ESPN may have given good news, reporting that Brown and White are seen as cornerstones and that “it will take a pretty insurmountable package to get those guys out of Boston.”
The Athletic’s Jared Weiss also reaffirmed that Stevens views Brown and Tatum as being the Celtics’ foundation.
Brad Stevens has spoken multiple times about Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown being the Celtics’ foundation, also mentioning Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Meanwhile, Austin Ainge reportedly shot down rumors they were discussing dealing for Jaylen Brown the past few days.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 26, 2025
Nevertheless, PFSN’s trade article describes how “If the right offer surfaces, moving him (Brown) could reset the team’s future flexibility without fully relinquishing contention.” Also pointing out that due to the challenging nature of their retool, and due to the aforementioned losses of Horford and Kornet, “Boston has few options for cheap, reliable frontcourt help.”
What Would the Spurs Offer for Brown?
This is where a match with the Spurs could transpire. Due to the divergent trajectories in terms of immediate championship ambitions, there could be a potential trade match between the Celtics and the Spurs. The latter are desperate to become contenders and give Wembanyama a co-star. Brown would fit that bill.
Plus, they are rich with young talent such as Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Dylan Harper, and two-way wing Devin Vassell, who averaged 16.3 points per game last season.
Regarding Vassell, he is likely expendable. He has a $27 million cap hit in 2025-26. In the same article, PFSN noted that “Vassell’s age and skill set could entice contenders or rebuilders needing a versatile wing, making him a logical trade chip if the Spurs prioritize long-term flexibility.”
Theoretically, the wing could be part of a package for Brown along with one of their recently drafted young point guards, as the Spurs have great depth in that department with the explosive De’Aaron Fox.
As of now, the Celtics view Brown as a franchise cornerstone, and he should be able to keep the Celtics competitive in 2025-26 until Tatum returns in the 2026-27 season. However, Stevens will not shy away from a further move if he feels it suits his team moving forward.
