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Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Linked in Blockbuster Trade Idea to Western Conference Contender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan D. Massey | Last updated May 21, 2025 9:37 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are widely expected to consider making cost-cutting moves during the upcoming NBA offseason. While Jayson Tatum seems safe, names like Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis could potentially be available for the right price.

Brown, in particular, would be a blockbuster trade that could shake the landscape of the NBA if he was moved.

During the 2024-25 NBA season, Brown played in 63 games. He averaged 22.2 points per game to go along with 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals. In addition, he shot 46.3% from the floor and 32.4% from 3-point range.

Which teams could have interest in pursuing a massive trade for Brown? There is one Western Conference contender that has been brought up as a possible trade suitor.

Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports has suggested that the Houston Rockets might make sense in a trade for Brown.

“If a team misses out on Giannis, could they pivot to Jaylen Brown?” O’Connor said. “And could that team be the Houston Rockets? Could you see Ime Udoka, the head coach of Houston, reunite with Jaylen Brown … with some type of offer like Fred VanVleet, the no. 10 pick this year, and some number of future first-round picks?"

O'Connor continued on, talking more about the deal and why it could make sense.

“VanVleet has a team option that can be declined. If this deal were to happen before July 1, VanVleet’s option could be declined … (bringing Boston) under the second apron by declining that option, (giving) them immense flexibility (and) tons of future draft capital," he said. “Without Jaylen Brown, you get to see what Derrick White could do or (what) Payton Pritchard could do with a ton more touches next season.”

In the 2024-25 season, the Rockets went 52-30 and were the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Houston was unable to knock off the Golden State Warriors in the first round and were eliminated in seven games.

Adding a piece like Brown could be exactly what the Rockets need to become a legitimate championship contender in the Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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