Blockbuster NBA Trade Proposal Sends Celtics Star Jaylen Brown To Magic

One NBA analyst proposed that the Orlando Magic acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics this offseason. 

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Magic trade Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Moritz Wagner, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick to the Celtics for Brown. 

Boston will have the most expensive roster in the NBA next season if trades aren’t made this offseason. The team won’t be a title contender in 2025-26 since Jayson Tatum is expected to miss the entire season recovering from his right Achilles tendon tear. 

“Here, the Magic capitalize on the Celtics’ dire financial straits by plucking Brown and his remaining $236 million, sending back younger players (and the flexibility that comes with them) along with a pair of lightly protected future firsts,” Hughes wrote. “When it comes to Orlando, most searches for offensive help focus on point guards and spot-up shooters. Those types of players would certainly help improve an offense that needs snipers and playmakers, but Brown is a legitimate star—one who’s already proved he can perform at a championship level.

“If the Magic aim too low in their pursuit of offense, they’ll risk acquiring someone who may help in the regular season but who can’t swing playoff contests. Brown, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero could do some real damage, especially if Orlando finds a floor-spacing center to round out that unit.

“This is mostly about saving cash for Boston, but Black is a promising guard prospect, while Isaac is among the league’s best defenders. His remaining four years and $59 million is only guaranteed for a total of $23 million. Wagner could replace free agent Al Horford and comes off the books after his 2025-26 team option.”

Brown is one of the top players in the NBA. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists this season while shooting 46.3% from the field, 32.4% from 3 and 76.4% from the free-throw line. 

A four-time All-Star, Brown finished this season with a partially torn right meniscus. The 2024 Finals MVP told Noa Dalzell of Celtics Blog he may undergo surgery this offseason. 

“l got a lot of doctors I gotta get evaluated with — see the potential for surgery versus no surgery, wait to speak to the [Celtics] organization,” Brown said. “For now, it’s just rest and recovery. I’m taking a step back from a long season. Mentally, it was a lot of stuff going on.”

Brown will make $53,142,264 next season. The California product has career averages of 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. 

The Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of this year’s playoffs in six games, while the Magic lost to Boston in the first round in five games.