Insider would be 'stunned' if Celtics move on from star this offseason

After the Boston Celtics' comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals fell short, many wonder what direction the team will head in this offseason, particularly with SG Jaylen Brown.

The 26-year-old is eligible for a five-year, $295 million supermax extension this offseason, having been named to the All-NBA second team. However, his dreadful playoff performance might hinder his chances of receiving such an offer. Brown failed to step up in Monday’s Game 7 loss to Miami, tallying 19 points on 8-of-23 shot attempts while turning the ball over eight times. 

While some Celtics fans may be comfortable with the prospect of moving on from Brown, ESPN's Brian Windhorst would be "stunned" to see that happen. Speaking with his colleagues Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon on the "Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective" podcast, Windhorst revealed what he's hearing about Brown's situation and a potential extension.

“I think he’s getting the money, just so you know,” Windhorst said. “I’m not taking a position against that. It’s just that today is a hard day to talk about it...I would be stunned [if Boston traded Brown], and from talking to people on both sides, I think there’s a very good chance they’re going to find ground on an extension."

Although the Brown and Jayson Tatum pairing hasn't resulted in banner No. 18, Boston would be wise to run with its star duo. The two have led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in four of their six seasons together and were just two wins shy of a title last year. 

Plus, if the Celtics were to get rid of Brown, what exactly could they get in return? This summer's free-agent class lacks star power, and there haven't been any rumblings of disgruntled big names seeking a trade. Any Brown trade could be a lateral move or even a downgrade. 

Bontemps floated the idea of swapping Brown for Portland's Damian Lillard or Hawks PG Trae Young, but both scenarios seem unlikely. The Trail Blazers are committed to building around Lillard, and while sending Brown to his hometown Atlanta would be interesting, there's no reason for the Hawks to trade Young.

The Celtics will need to make some changes to their roster this offseason, but they shouldn't break up their core just yet.