Celtics’ Jaylen Brown reportedly prepared for possibility of trade

Jaylen Brown appears to understand the reality of the situation.

With the Celtics heavily involved in trade discussions for Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brown’s name has surfaced repeatedly as the centerpiece of any potential deal.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the All-NBA wing is taking that possibility in stride.

“From what I understand, Jaylen Brown is accepting this and realizes this is a chance to turn the page in his career and he may be getting his own team,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s First Take, via RealGM. “Which is something he’s thought about for some time.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean Brown wants out of Boston. It does suggest he understands the business side of the NBA.

The Celtics are reportedly among the finalists for Antetokounmpo, and league-wide belief remains that Milwaukee would insist on Brown being included in any deal.

If Boston lands Giannis, Brown is almost certainly headed elsewhere.

And even if the Celtics come up short, there is growing speculation that Brown could draw interest from other teams if Boston decides to reshape its roster in a different way.

Either way, Brown is coming off one of the best seasons of his career.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined until March while recovering from a torn Achilles, Brown assumed a larger role and responded by earning All-NBA Second Team honors while generating occasional MVP buzz.

In other words, his value may never be higher.

The Celtics now face a franchise-altering decision. As for Brown, it sounds like he’s prepared for whatever comes next.