Celtics Floated In Wild Jaylen Brown Trade Idea

With Jayson Tatum expected to miss a large chunk of the 2025-26 season, the Boston Celtics are facing a pivotal decision.                                                                               

They can lean on Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to keep them in the playoff mix, or shift course entirely. But with aging contracts and minimal flexibility, a more forward-looking option might be the only way to avoid a slow slide into mediocrity.

Alan Goldsher of Sports Illustrated has proposed one possible solution: trading Brown to San Antonio for a package centered around Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and two first-round picks.

The idea hinges on the Celtics embracing youth while Tatum recovers. Castle and Vassell could become the foundation of a new-look backcourt, while the added picks give Boston draft-night firepower. Moving Brown’s salary could also free up space to explore other trades, including possible deals for White or Holiday.

The Spurs, meanwhile, would land a four-time All-Star in his prime to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Losing Vassell and Castle would sting, but the upside of a Wembanyama-Brown tandem would put San Antonio on a fast track toward contention in the West.

Goldsher’s proposal could constitute a rare “win-win” NBA trade scenario.

“Both teams solve long-term problems without tanking,” he writes. “It’s the kind of move that could define both franchises for the next five years.”

With time ticking on their championship window and their star sidelined, the Celtics may have little choice but to think bigger and think younger.