The Boston Celtics, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, are at a crossroads following their 2025 playoff exit and Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury. With a projected $500 million payroll looming and the team over the second luxury tax apron, trade rumors have swirled around core players like Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. But what if the Celtics made the unthinkable move: trading Jayson Tatum, their three-time All-NBA superstar, instead of Brown? This hypothetical scenario would send shockwaves through the league, reshaping Boston’s future and drawing interest from multiple teams. Let’s explore the implications of such a blockbuster trade and which teams would be eager to land Tatum.
Jayson Tatum, at 27, is the cornerstone of the Celtics’ championship aspirations, having led them to the 2024 NBA title and earning a record-breaking five-year, $314 million contract extension. His Achilles injury, sustained in Game 4 against the New York Knicks in the 2025 playoffs, is expected to sideline him for most or all of the 2025-26 season, complicating Boston’s financial and competitive outlook. With a payroll projected at $225 million and a luxury tax bill nearing $280 million, the Celtics face pressure to trim costs. While Jaylen Brown has been the focus of trade speculation due to his $53.1 million salary and the team’s financial constraints, trading Tatum—a younger, higher-ceiling star—would be a radical departure from Boston’s stated intention to build around him and Brown.
A Tatum trade would signal a full-scale rebuild, prioritizing draft assets and younger players to retool around Brown, who at 28 remains a proven playoff performer and 2024 Finals MVP. The move would aim to alleviate Boston’s salary cap burden while acquiring pieces to remain competitive during Tatum’s recovery or beyond. However, trading a player of Tatum’s caliber, who averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in the 2024-25 season, would require an extraordinary return. His youth, versatility, and two-way play make him a top-10 NBA talent, attracting interest from teams with cap space, draft picks, and a need for a franchise cornerstone.
Potential Trade Destinations and Scenarios
Several teams would line up to acquire Tatum, each offering unique packages to entice Boston. Here are three likely suitors and hypothetical trade scenarios:
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets, with over $50 million in projected cap space, could absorb Tatum’s $54.1 million salary while offering a haul of draft picks and young talent. A potential package could include Cam Thomas (via sign-and-trade), Noah Clowney, the No. 8 pick in 2025, a 2027 first-round pick (via Philadelphia), and a top-5 protected 2031 first-round pick. For Boston, this trade would provide financial relief and assets to rebuild around Brown, while the Nets would gain a superstar to pair with Cameron Johnson and Nicolas Claxton, accelerating their return to contention.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets, aiming to bolster their halfcourt offense, could offer a blockbuster package centered around Fred VanVleet (with one year left on his contract), Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and the No. 10 pick in 2025, plus additional future first-rounders. This deal would give Boston young, defensive-minded players to complement Brown and cost-controlled assets to manage their payroll. For Houston, Tatum would form a dynamic duo with Jalen Green, pushing them toward championship contention in the West.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz, under Danny Ainge’s leadership, could pair Tatum with Lauri Markkanen to create a formidable tandem. A trade package might include the No. 5 and No. 21 picks in 2025, Keyonte George, and John Collins to match salaries. For Boston, this would provide draft capital and a young guard with upside, while Utah would gain a proven superstar to anchor their roster, potentially ending their rebuild. Ainge’s history with Boston could make negotiations smoother, but the Jazz would need to part with significant assets.
Implications for Boston
Trading Tatum would be a seismic shift, potentially alienating fans who view him as the face of the franchise. However, it could position the Celtics for a quick retool, leveraging Brown’s prime and incoming assets to build a younger, more cost-effective roster. Payton Pritchard, with his cost-controlled $23 million contract over three years, could step into a larger role, while draft picks would provide flexibility for future trades. The risk lies in losing a generational talent like Tatum, whose two-way play and playoff pedigree are rare. Boston would need to trust Brad Stevens’ front office to maximize the return and navigate the luxury tax constraints effectively.
Why Teams Want Tatum
Tatum’s appeal is universal: a 6-foot-8 forward with elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility, he fits any system. His ability to create shots, stretch the floor, and guard multiple positions makes him a perfect fit for contending teams like the Rockets or rebuilding squads like the Nets and Jazz. Despite his injury, his age and contract (through 2029-30 with a player option) ensure long-term value, making him a rare trade target who could command a haul comparable to Mikal Bridges’ five first-round picks.
Trading Jayson Tatum instead of Jaylen Brown would be a bold, controversial move for the Boston Celtics, signaling a shift from contending to retooling amid financial pressures and Tatum’s injury. While the Nets, Rockets, and Jazz would jump at the chance to acquire a superstar in his prime, Boston would need to secure a massive return to justify the loss. For Celtics fans, the idea of parting with Tatum is heart-wrenching, but it could set the stage for a new era led by Brown and a revitalized roster. As the offseason unfolds, the NBA world will watch closely to see if Brad Stevens dares to pull the trigger on such a blockbuster. Will Tatum stay the cornerstone, or could he lead another team to glory? The speculation alone is enough to set social media ablaze.