The Celtics and Jaylen Brown have been at the center of the Kevin Durant trade rumors lately, and one reason is that Brown may not be long for Boston. 
At least, that’s how the Celtics seem to feel.
Per Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype, the Celtics “have an indication” that Brown may not want to stick around much longer. He is eligible for $110 million extension on Oct. 1.
“He will almost certainly not sign it since it is way below his market value, and he should command maximum level offers when he becomes a free agent in 2024,” Gozlan wrote. “He also still has a chance to qualify for the supermax over the next two years if he earns All-NBA honors, but only with the Celtics.”
As we relayed here, the Nets rebuffed a Celtics offer that reportedly consisted of Brown, Derrick White and a first-round pick for Durant. Apparently, the Nets would also like more picks and/or Marcus Smart. For now, it seems, the sides are still talking — or will revisit things in the future.
But as The Athletic’s John Hollinger wrote, Brown’s situation could actually be a reason for pause, and for the Nets.
“Will he still be young enough, at 27 that summer, that the fifth year Boston can offer probably doesn’t matter that much? Also a yes,” Hollinger wrote. “And that is why the Celtics might be willing to put him in a package for Kevin Durant … and why the Nets, in turn, should be at least slightly nervous about Brown’s flight risk after playing two seasons in Brooklyn.”
The Celtics are coming off a run to the Finals, where they lost to the Warriors in six games. They swept the Nets in the first round.
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I know the media’s job is to put it on the players.. “hold them accountable for the commitments they’ve made”, for instance, and all that nonsense.. BUT. Given all the circumstances, the facts, including the quotes in this article, the fact that his name has been in trade talks for a handful of years.. , and that they’re looking to trade him now for Durant…. it seems “Celtic may not be long for Jaylen Brown” would be a more accurate, or more encompassing if you will, headline.
Now if Brown has any thoughts or comments about leaving Boston, I’m sure the “narratives” will be all over that. To make it seem like Celtics want to keep him, but he just doesn’t want to stay there. what else can we do but trade him now.. aw shucks..
But let’s try to look at this for what it is. Celtics have been looking to cash him in for something better for years. Just waiting for the right deal, the right time. All that talk and build up (“no deal, not enough…”), and now finally after a trip to the finals, his trade value is at an all time high.
They’re getting ready to do what they’ve always wanted to do. Upgrade, using Jaylen Brown as bait.
As for that imaginary conversation about Franchises not being as loyal to players as they expect players to be to them? The reality check that it’s a business on both side? Well, we Celtics brass don’t have to answer to that now.. Because “Jaylen Brown May Not Be Long For Celtics”.
The price of inside information. Accuracy.