It’s a crucial offseason for the Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets.
Boston has been quick to make decisions after the NBA Finals wrapped up, starting with sending Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Hours later, they sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks.
All moves aim to cut costs and plan a better roster, letting them shuffle around and experiment until Jayson Tatum returns from his Achilles injury.
Jaylen Brown, dependable and an excellent playmaker, could be the next piece to fall.
The Houston Rockets, having acquired Kevin Durant already, might look to pad up their roster to inch closer to a championship.
Houston Rockets Are Hoping for a Possible Jaylen Brown Trade
Though some were expecting the Celtics to trade Holiday and Porziņģis, there are mixed reactions regarding Brown. A key part of their roster alongside Tatum, Brown has spent his entire career in Boston.
Acquiring the guard via trade won’t be an easy feat, especially if one lowballs the offer.
The Houston Rockets are reportedly “gunning for” Jaylen Brown, but prying him away from the Boston Celtics won’t be easy. Still, it’s a situation worth watching as the offseason unfolds. pic.twitter.com/qa5GPk12wK
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) June 27, 2025
According to Dusty Garza (via X), the Rockets hope to pull off a trade for Brown.
“The Houston Rockets are reportedly ‘gunning for’ Jaylen Brown, but prying him away from the Boston Celtics won’t be easy. Still, it’s a situation worth watching as the offseason unfolds,” Garza wrote.
Durant, traded from the Phoenix Suns, looks to lead the Rockets’ offense. Combined with Brown, Durant is certainly capable of pulling off a deep playoff run during the 2025-26 season.
Additionally, Brown is currently signed to a five-year $285,393,640 contract with the Celtics.
Celtics GM Brad Stevens Speaks on Brown Trade Rumors
During the 2025 NBA Draft, SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell spoke to Celtics general manager Brad Stevens. Dalzell asked about the team’s next steps and what Stevens expects from the roster.
“We’ve got the foundation. With Jaylen and Jayson and D-White and Payton, and all those guys that a lot of teams would love to have,” said Stevens during the interview.
While rumors present varying scenarios for how the Celtics team might look, Stevens is sure they can maintain their core and strengthen themselves until Tatum’s return.
Unfortunately, there’s no timeline on Tatum’s return. Stevens, speaking on the same, added:
“It’s baby steps right now. He’s actually progressed great, but I don’t know what that means in regard to projected timelines. That will be in consultation with him and everybody else to make sure when he hits the court he is fully ready, and fully healthy.”
Jayson Tatum already back in the gym 👀
Grateful to have him as my franchise superstar. pic.twitter.com/AshX6vo8Oz
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) June 26, 2025
While Tatum is back at the gym and working out, an Achilles recovery remains tedious and lengthy. Furthermore, no one wants Tatum to return earlier than expected.
Despite the uncertainty, fans remain curious about how the roster will shape around Tatum once he’s back on the court. Brown, deeply aware of how the team works, might be crucial to pick up momentum when the Celtics return to full strength.
