The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the 2025 NBA offseason, capitalizing on their surprising jump to the second overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. While all signs point to Rutgers guard Dylan Harper as the likely selection, the Spurs are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade that could reshape their roster around their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama. With De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle already in the backcourt, adding another guard like Harper could create spacing issues, prompting San Antonio to consider a major move. Enter Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics’ $285 million star, in a trade that could align perfectly with the Spurs’ long-term vision.
The Boston Celtics could be open to trading anyone but Jayson Tatum, per @KevinOConnorNBA
“Most recently I’ve heard they are open to trading anyone but Tatum, but it is conflicting.” pic.twitter.com/nbwRrOw2Mw
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 10, 2025
The Proposed Trade
San Antonio Spurs receive: Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics receive: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham, 2nd overall pick, 2028 1st-round pick via BOS (nullifies swap rights), 2031 1st-round pick SWAP via SAC or SAS
Why It Works for the Spurs
For San Antonio, acquiring Jaylen Brown—a proven playoff performer and former NBA Finals standout—represents a bold step toward building a contender around Wembanyama, the 7’4” “monster” who’s already redefining the game. At 29 years old, Brown is in the prime of his career, offering a significant age advantage over other rumored targets like Kevin Durant, who is eight years his senior. Brown’s ability to score at all three levels, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him an ideal fit alongside Wembanyama.
While Brown’s three-point shooting has dipped in recent seasons, he remains a capable outside threat, addressing some of the spacing concerns that could arise with a Fox-Castle-Harper backcourt. His playoff pedigree, including a standout performance in the 2022 NBA Finals, brings a veteran presence to a young Spurs roster hungry for postseason success. Pairing Brown’s scoring prowess with Wembanyama’s otherworldly talent could create one of the league’s most dynamic duos, giving San Antonio a legitimate star to accelerate their timeline.
Why It Works for the Celtics
For Boston, this trade makes sense in the context of a challenging 2025-26 season. With Jayson Tatum potentially sidelined for the entire year due to injury, the Celtics face the risk of apron penalties and may look to retool their roster while staying competitive. This deal allows them to acquire valuable assets while planning for Tatum’s return.
Devin Vassell, a 25-year-old scoring wing, headlines the return package. His youth and upside make him a natural fit for Boston’s future, especially given the Celtics’ success with previous Spurs guards (think Derrick White). Harrison Barnes and Malaki Branham provide immediate depth as bench pieces, with the added flexibility of expiring contracts after the 2025-26 season. Most crucially, the second overall pick gives Boston the chance to draft Dylan Harper, a dynamic guard who could develop into the franchise’s lead playmaker during his rookie season, setting the stage for a seamless transition when Tatum returns.
What can Jaylen Brown do for you?
Dominate 😤 pic.twitter.com/QRsaRN5KcL
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 10, 2025
The additional draft capital— a 2028 first-round pick (nullifying Boston’s swap rights) and a 2031 first-round pick swap (via Sacramento or San Antonio)—sweetens the deal, giving the Celtics long-term flexibility to rebuild or retool around Tatum.
The Bigger Picture
For the Spurs, this trade signals an aggressive pivot toward contention. Brown’s $285 million contract is a steep investment, but his fit alongside Wembanyama, Fox, and Castle creates a balanced core with youth, athleticism, and playoff experience. The move allows San Antonio to avoid overcrowding their backcourt with another guard like Harper, instead adding a versatile wing who can thrive in high-pressure situations.
For Boston, the trade is a strategic step back to avoid luxury tax hell while staying competitive. Vassell’s scoring, Harper’s potential, and the additional draft picks provide a clear path to retooling around Tatum’s eventual return, ensuring the Celtics remain a force in the East.
This blockbuster deal could reshape the NBA landscape, pairing one of the league’s brightest young stars in Wembanyama with a proven champion in Brown. As the 2025 offseason heats up, all eyes will be on San Antonio to see if they pull the trigger on this bold move.