After losing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics are in a precarious situation involving Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics’ trade package for the Milwaukee Bucks was built around Brown, and NBA insider Brian Windhorst has now predicted that we could see a “bidding war” for the 6-foot-6 guard.
NBA Insider Predicts Jaylen Brown Future After Failed Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
This is the second time the Celtics have aggressively shopped Brown but failed to land their desired target after also reportedly attempting to trade him for Kevin Durant in 2022. Brown, who was the Celtics’ top scorer last season, has had an eventful offseason amid reports of friction with the Celtics organization.
The Celtics were determined to land Antetokounmpo. However, their unwillingness to part with enough young players or assets meant that they ultimately lost out to Miami.
“Boston is in a situation where they have put for the whole world out there, Jaylen Brown, their Finals MVP. They, of course, knew it was possible they were going to lose to Miami. They made a very strong offer. But they were not willing to put their entire team in. They were not willing to put other pieces in,” Windhorst said on “Get Up ESPN” on Tuesday.
While it remains to be seen whether the Celtics will still look to shop Brown after failing to land Antetokounmpo, Windhorst believes other teams could join the race to acquire the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
“Now what I expect to happen is a bidding war for Jaylen Brown. In the most recent days, teams have been preparing for this eventuality. I think it’ll take time to play out, but if there is a draft pick involved, it could happen today. I don’t think that’s likely, but it could happen today,” he added.
Brown will turn in October and will soon become eligible for a two-year, $141.9 million contract extension with the Celtics. He is coming off an exemplary season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the absence of Jayson Tatum.
MORE: 2026 NBA Mock Draft: How Giannis Antetokounmpo Blockbuster Trade Changes the First Round
After their failed pursuit of Antetokounmpo, the Celtics must now decide whether to mend fences with Brown or continue to shop him to other teams.
However, whether the relationship is salvageable or if irreparable damage has already been done remains to be seen. With an already eventful offseason for the Celtics and little to show for it, the moves Brad Stevens makes next will be important to watch.
