The Boston Celtics face their biggest test in years. With Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles sidelining him for the entire 2025-26 season, the franchise must navigate uncharted waters without their cornerstone star. The pressure now falls squarely on 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown’s shoulders, but instead of building around him, whispers of a potential trade are growing louder.
Could the Celtics Trade Jaylen Brown to Orlando?
A recent mock trade proposal from Sports Illustrated has caught the attention of NBA circles, suggesting Boston could ship Brown to the Orlando Magic in a franchise-altering deal. The proposed package would send the Celtics Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, a 2026 first-round pick swap, a 2027 first-rounder, a 2031 first-rounder, and a 2028 second-rounder. In return, the Magic would acquire Jaylen Brown.
For Orlando, the logic is clear. Pairing Brown with Paolo Banchero would create one of the most explosive duos in the Eastern Conference. Brown’s aggressive attacking style, ability to draw fouls, and midrange mastery would take pressure off Banchero while immediately elevating the Magic’s championship ceiling.
With Franz Wagner already established in their core, Orlando would suddenly boast a three-headed scoring monster capable of matching up with Boston, Miami, and the conference’s other elite teams. The Magic have been searching for that final piece to transform from promising upstart to legitimate contender.
Meanwhile, Boston’s return centers on depth and future flexibility. Suggs, a 24-year-old guard who averaged 16.2 points, four rebounds, and 3.7 assists before a knee injury ended his 2024-25 campaign early, brings intriguing upside. His perimeter defense and playmaking could slot perfectly into the backcourt, especially if the Celtics continue shopping Anfernee Simons.
Isaac represents the defensive anchor Boston desperately needs. When healthy, his length and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions and transform entire defensive schemes. Plus, the draft capital haul would give the Celtics ammunition to hunt for Tatum’s next running mate once their star returns to full health.
Why Would Boston Even Consider Trading Their Finals MVP?
Trading Brown while Tatum recovers seems like basketball insanity on the surface. Brown remains the Celtics’ only reliable 20-to-25 points per game scorer, a player who can create his own shot and keep opposing defenses honest. Without him, Boston’s offense risks becoming predictably stagnant against the Eastern Conference’s defensive juggernauts.
However, the front office is wrestling with brutal financial realities that go beyond this season. Brown’s $285 million contract extends through 2028, locking the team into a restrictive salary cap situation for years to come.
2 minutes of Jaylen Brown turning into Michael Jordan
pic.twitter.com/CFjeGyHea4— CelticsGlobe (@celtsglobe) August 27, 2025
The Celtics already sacrificed Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday to avoid the second apron’s punishing restrictions. Moving Brown would provide crucial salary relief while stockpiling the assets needed to rebuild around Tatum’s eventual return.
The decision represents a classic front office dilemma. Keeping Brown maintains competitiveness during Tatum’s absence, though championship expectations would remain modest at best. Trading him signals acceptance of a multi-year rebuild, sacrificing immediate relevance for the chance to emerge stronger when their franchise player is healthy again.
For now, Brown remains in green, preparing to carry both the scoring load and leadership responsibilities that come with being Boston’s undisputed number one option. His Finals MVP performance proved he can handle the brightest lights, but this season’s spotlight promises to be more intense than anything he’s faced before.
