The Celtics Could Trade Jayson Tatum, Not Jaylen Brown

Apr 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Celtics Could Trade Jayson Tatum, Not Jaylen Brown

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated May 7, 2026 7:00 PM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Following the Boston Celtics' disappointing first round Eastern Conference playoff series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, everything seems to be on the table.

The Celtics, two years removed from a championship, could have some tough decisions to make. Do they double down on the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown pairing? Do they attempt to add a third star (perhaps Giannis) into the mix? Or do they decide to trade one of Brown or Tatum?

If you're going to trade one of Tatum and Brown, most would think that the pick would be the latter player. Tatum has been the face of the Celtics' franchise for a while. He's viewed by most as the go-to guy, even coming off his injury.

However, that might not be the case.

The Celtics could ultimately choose to trade Tatum, who could fetch a major return, while holding onto Brown.

ESPN analyst Alan Hahn argued this point on Thursday.

“If you have to break it up, it’s Tatum that would be the guy that you would want to trade, not Jaylen Brown," he argued on Thursday.

ESPNs @alanhahn on Tatum vs Brown

: @GetUpESPN

“If you have to break it up, it’s Tatum that would be the guy that you would want to trade, not Jaylen Brown.”

pic.twitter.com/n4jQCuRInr
— Savage (@Savageboston) May 7, 2026

Brown remains committed to the Celtics

Brown made it clear that there is no animosity between him and the Celtics. In fact, this past season - much of with happened without Tatum - was the favorite of his career.

“First things first, lotta stuff swirling around the Celtics and our organization,” Brown said on Wednesday night. "I hate that our president of basketball operations even had to respond to this. Me and Brad have a great relationship. I love Boston. If it was up to me I could play here for the next 10 years.”

He's doubling down.

“Y’all can clip this up: This was my favorite season of my career,” Brown said. “I will say it even louder. I’ll stand on it. I’ll triple down, quadruple down. Whatever y’all want me to say, chat. I’m coming on here to give context and talk about certain things. But I’m not really here to clear up no backlash.”

"You got to see all of these guys, all of my teammates, grow," Brown added. "I got to see them overcome adversity as a group, up close and personal. Obviously, we're not satisfied with the result. But to fight and maneuver through adversity and grow, and galvanize with a bunch of guys and to have that mindset and approach, this was my favorite season."

It's going to be an interesting offseason, that's clear.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: