Latest Jaylen Brown trade idea would have Celtics fans irate

Jaylen Brown has spent his career dealing with constant trade rumors. That could make it easier to brush them aside, but it's a nuisance nonetheless.

There's also the reality that the rumors may have more merit behind them than ever. That's not a product of the proposals but the situation the Boston Celtics find themselves in.

After multiple years operating over the second apron, the prospect of a season without Jayson Tatum, as he rehabs from an Achilles tear, makes getting under that threshold prudent.

The unfortunate but less dramatic approach to that would involve trading at least one of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. One would think both go, so the team has room to fill out its roster while remaining underneath the second apron.

But as the Celtics weigh all options, trade rumors centering around moving on from Jaylen Brown are ramping up.

Speculators have pondered proposals sending him to the San Antonio Spurs for a package of young talent and picks, headlined by the No. 2 overall selection in this year's draft.

The idea of trading the 2023-24 NBA Finals MVP for Giannis Antetokounmpo is another rumor in the ether.

The latest construct is one crafted by Bill Simmons on his eponymously named podcast.

"I would try to do three and Paul George. I would be shopping that around. I would've offered that for Jaylen Brown right now," said Simmons.

Should the Celtics make this trade?

No. Taking a swing on whoever Boston determines is the third-best prospect in this draft class is not worth parting with Brown. Whether it's Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, or anyone else warranting consideration, the hope would be that pick addresses the concerns surrounding them and goes on to have a career like Brown's.

The latter has consistently returned a better player after the offseason. The prime example is the evolution that followed his All-NBA campaign. The result was him taking home the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals MVPs.

However, that's a lofty expectation. More often than not, it doesn't pan out that way. Furthermore, Brown, who turns 29 in October, is in his prime. That window won't close next season, so even a year without Tatum shouldn't spell the end of their time together.

As much of a basketball decision as this is, there's also something said for the value of moving forward with a player who means a great deal to the region he stars in. There's a bond between Brown and Boston.

Just like his leadership in the locker room is ideal for helping navigate next season, the way he resonates with the city is part of what makes him a stabilizing force at a time that's desperately needed.

That doesn't mean Brown's untouchable, but absorbing Paul George's contract to acquire the No. 3 pick represents the worst path of any trade idea floated.

George is on the books for $51.7 million for the 2025-26 season. Add in the first-year salary of the No. 3 pick, slotted slightly north of $11 million, and this deal won't help Boston trim payroll.

Furthermore, George's contract escalates to a bit over $54 million for the 2026-27 season. He then has a player option worth $56.6 million for the following year at age 37.

What the Celtics have in Brown, who can help lead them back to title contention when Tatum returns, is significantly more valuable than absorbing George's bloated salary to take a swing on a prospect like Edgecombe or Bailey.