BOSTON, MA – In Boston, some topics are simply off-limits. You don’t question the legacy of Bill Russell. You don’t speak ill of Larry Bird. And you certainly don’t suggest trading one half of the most successful duo in Celtics history since the days of Bird and McHale.
But in the NBA, “untouchable” is a myth. And as Jayson Tatum works his way back from an Achilles injury that has already cost him most of the 2025-26 season, the Celtics front office is facing an uncomfortable question: what does the future look like, and does it include both Jays?
The Tatum Factor
Let’s state the obvious: Tatum is the fan favorite. He’s the homegrown hero, the kid from St. Louis who grew into a superstar in Boston green. Even as he rounds back into form following one of the most devastating injuries in sports, the love affair between Tatum and Celtics nation remains undiminished.
But Achilles injuries are no joke. History tells us that players rarely return to their pre-injury selves immediately—and sometimes, never. Tatum is working tirelessly to beat the odds, but the Celtics must plan for every scenario.
That planning, according to a recent proposal from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, could lead to the unthinkable: trading Jaylen Brown.
The Blockbuster: Brown to Utah
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Here’s the hypothetical that has Celtics fans reaching for the smelling salts:
Celtics receive: Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Kyle Filipowski, 2027 first-round pick (via Lakers, top-4 protected)
Jazz receive: Jaylen Brown
Let’s be clear: this is purely speculative. Brown has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Boston, recently revealing that Tracy McGrady talked him out of requesting a trade after the 2019 playoff exit. He’s been a model teammate and a champion.
But the logic is sound. Brown is 29, in his prime, and playing at an All-Star level. His value has never been higher. If the Celtics believe that committing fully to Tatum is the path forward, cashing in on Brown now could net a haul that sets the franchise up for the next decade.
Why the Jazz Say Yes
For Utah, this is a no-brainer. The Jazz have been collecting assets for years, waiting for the right moment to strike. Brown gives them an immediate All-NBA caliber wing to build around, a proven winner who can anchor a young core.
Utah’s front office has shown patience, but at some point, you need to consolidate assets into stars. Brown is exactly that kind of star.
Why the Celtics Say Yes
This is the harder sell. Celtics fans love Brown. They love his two-way ferocity, his playoff pedigree, his chemistry with Tatum. Breaking up the Jays feels like sacrilege.
But look at what comes back.
Lauri Markkanen is a 7-foot sharpshooter averaging 26.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game at age 28. He’s a floor-spacing big who would thrive alongside Tatum, stretching defenses and opening driving lanes in ways that even Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford couldn’t always replicate.
Then there’s Ace Bailey. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Bailey is a 6-foot-10 wing with superstar upside. He’s struggled with consistency as a rookie, but the talent is undeniable. Pairing him with Tatum gives Boston a long-term replacement for Brown at a fraction of the cost.
Kyle Filipowski, 22, has started 30 games this season, averaging 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds. He’s a versatile big who can contribute immediately.
And don’t forget the Lakers’ first-rounder in 2027. Even protected, it’s another asset to add to the war chest.
The Sidekick Question
Swartz’s proposal hinges on one key assumption: “If Brown doesn’t want to play a sidekick role alongside Jayson Tatum any longer, the Jazz would be an intriguing new home.”
Has Brown ever said he wants out? No. Has he ever complained about his role? Not publicly. But the NBA is a business, and players’ desires can change. If Brown looks at Tatum’s recovery timeline and sees an opportunity to be the man elsewhere, the Celtics have to listen.
The Backup Plan: Bitadze to Boston
Even if the Brown trade remains in the realm of fantasy, the Celtics have other moves to consider. Swartz also proposed a smaller deal that addresses a more immediate need: center depth.
Celtics receive: Goga Bitadze, 2026 second-round pick (projected No. 49)
Magic receive: 2026 first-round pick (projected No. 27)
Bitadze is one of the most underrated big men in the league. In a backup role for Orlando, he’s averaging 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes. At 26, he’s in his prime and on a team-friendly $7.6 million deal for next season.
For a Celtics team that just saw Nikola Vučević go down with a finger injury, adding frontcourt depth is a priority. Moving down 20 spots in the draft to acquire a proven rotation big is exactly the kind of win-now move contenders make.
The Bottom Line
The Celtics are 44-23, sitting comfortably near the top of the Eastern Conference. Jayson Tatum is working his way back. Jaylen Brown is playing at an All-Star level. On the surface, everything is fine.
But the NBA never stops. The best front offices are always looking ahead, always planning for contingencies, always asking “what if?”
What if Tatum returns to form and the Celtics need to build around him for the long haul? What if Brown decides he wants to lead his own team? What if an offer comes along that’s too good to refuse?
Trading Jaylen Brown would be the most controversial move in Boston since the Kevin Garnett era. But in the ruthless world of the NBA, sometimes the unthinkable is exactly what makes sense.