With Jayson Tatum out for a large chunk of the 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from a torn Achilles, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown had a chance to cement himself as a top player in the league.
Although Brown was the Finals MVP in 2024 and a four-time all-Star entering the season, many viewed him as a second banana to Tatum and wondered if he could handle the load. Brown proved that he could, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
Now, the main question is whether Brown will remain in Boston. His name has surfaced in trade rumors as the Celtics pursue Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jaylen Brown Sends Message to Doubters Amid Latest Trade Rumors
Brown has been a hot topic, especially over the last week, as the Antetokounmpo rumors heat up. The Celtics and Miami Heat are viewed as the front-runners to acquire Antetokounmpo, and if he is indeed traded to Boston, Brown will almost certainly be included in the deal. Brown may not wind up in Milwaukee if a deal goes through and would possibly go to a third team, but he is believed to be the centerpiece of the Celtics’ offer.
There’s also been some negativity around Brown with how the Celtics finished the season. Despite winning 56 games and earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics blew a 3-1 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers and were eliminated in the first round of the postseason. After the postseason loss, Brown ruffled feathers when he described this as his “favorite season” despite the first-round exit.
Jaylen Brown just now on his Twitch stream as the Celtics are in active trade negotiations for Giannis Antetokounmpo:
“To all the people that’s doubted me, that want me to do this, or want me (traded), you’re turning me into a monster.” pic.twitter.com/EJcf1l3NkZ
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 22, 2026
Brown’s postseason performance did not live up to his regular-season production. His averages were down across the board, and he shot 45.5% from the field after shooting 47.7% during the regular season (although his 3-point percentage did increase from 34.7% in the regular season to 40.5% in the playoffs, perhaps due to Tatum’s presence).
Recently, Brown discussed some of the negativity he has heard this offseason.
“I get to see some negativity that I didn’t want, but that just gives more fuel to the fire,” Brown explained. “I get to see some comments and takes that I didn’t even care to see, but it just gives more fuel to the fire.
“To all the people that’s doubted me, that want me to do this, or want me gone or whatever, you’re turning me into a monster.”
Seeing Brown make another leap and further improve his game is a scary thought, but the biggest question remaining is just where Brown will be playing next season.
