The Boston Celtics are the frontrunners to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they might have to pay a hefty price in Jaylen Brown. League sources have speculated that the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly look to acquire another franchise face in exchange for the 2021 NBA champion. And Stephen A. Smith believes the Celtics have motivation to go through with this trade.
Some reports have suggested that the Celtics might look to part ways with Brown to acquire Giannis in a blockbuster trade. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith expressed his thoughts on the new update and shared why he felt the team wanted to go in the other direction with Brown. Smith said:
“That is an NBA champion, that is an NBA Finals MVP, that is playing for the most storied franchise in basketball, accustomed to winning championships. He has played in six conference finals, and he got bounced out in the first round after losing a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers, with a hobbled Joel Embiid, and called it his favorite season. That’s a big reason why this move potentially is being done. It’s not the only reason.”
Brown indeed had the best season of his career, scoring-wise, averaging a career-high 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, mainly because Jayson Tatum missed almost the entire regular season. However, his preference for individual game over team performance might have hurt the front office’s sentiments. It was his show, and that’s also what Smith highlighted in his statement. He said:
“Jaylen Brown going to a place like Milwaukee, where he will be the clear number one option, is what he wants.”
The Celtics’ form seriously dipped when Tatum rejoined the squad after a long injury break. This means Brown doesn’t gel with other stars on the team, and he would get a similar environment in Milwaukee, with the franchise in the rebuilding phase.
Analyst Paints a Grim Picture for Jaylen Brown Even If the Celts Don’t Land Giannis
While Celtics fans let in the news of the franchise exchanging Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the trade, ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst believes the front office might have had enough with the guard. Suggesting that the Celts might look to move Brown even if the Giannis trade doesn’t go through, he said:
“I believe if the Bucks choose the Miami Heat offer, Jaylen Brown will get traded somewhere else. They are going to move on here…. From what I understand, Jaylen Brown is accepting this and realizing it’s a chance to turn the page and may be getting his own team.”
The prospects of Jayson Tatum playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo look very promising on paper. However, there is no confirmation on what the Cetics might have to sacrifice to bring Giannis.
READ MORE: AJ Dybantsa Makes Feelings Clear After Not Singling Wizards in Pre-Draft Meets Like Darryn Peterson
NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Target $17.7 Million Elite Defensive Guard to Fix Backcourt Woes
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
