The Milwaukee Bucks finally traded Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now the fallout is really beginning. The move anticipated for an entire NBA season is done, on the eve of the NBA draft, and there is at least one major star whose future could be inextricably altered given how the Antetokounmpo deal went down.
The Boston Celtics were runner-ups to the Miami Heat in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, with a reported offer of Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks not enough to sway the Bucks from the haul they received from Miami. So what does Brown think about all this, coming off the best season of his career with Jayson Tatum mostly sidelined?
This isn’t the first time Brown’s name has surfaced in serious trade talks, and speculation is already swirling this could prompt him to ask out of Boston. Antetokounmpo’s trade has officially kickstarted the NBA offseason, and Brown suddenly might be the best player available for teams that can create the salary cap space for a supermax contract. Unless he and the Celtics can move past nearly parting ways (again) in recent days.
USA TODAY Sports is tracking all the rumors and reports related to Jaylen Brown’s future with the Boston Celtics and whether he could end up being traded to another NBA team in the fallout of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Here’s the latest ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft:
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Is Jaylen Brown getting traded?
Maybe. The Celtics reportedly used him as the centerpiece of their trade offer to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo, along with two first-round draft picks.
It’s still unclear if the Celtics were only willing to make Brown available for Antetokounmpo, or whether they still plan to trade him to another team. Brown has not commented on his future since the Antetokounmpo deal went through, but he did allude to his name being mentioned in trade rumors on Sunday, June 21.
“”Somewhat grateful, because I get to see some negativity that I didn’t want. But that just gives more fuel to the fire,” Brown said on his Twitch stream while training with Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles. “I see some comments, or takes, that I didn’t even care to see, but it just gives me more fuel to the fire. To all the people who have doubted me, that want me to do this or want me gone, you’re turning me into a monster.”
Jaylen Brown trade rumors after Giannis deal
The Celtics previously involved Brown in trade discussions for Kevin Durant four years ago. Brown subsequently won NBA Finals MVP during Boston’s title run in 2024 and finished as an NBA MVP finalist with Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles during most of the 2025-26 regular season.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on the Tuesday, June 23 edition of “Get Up” he anticipated a “bidding war” for Brown now that the Celtics made him available in the Antetokounmpo trade talks. Multiple reports have suggested the Bucks chose the Heat’s trade package over the Celtics, in part, because there were fears Brown would not want to remain in Milwaukee long-term.
“I am not convinced he’s going to be on the team in October. I think it’s 50/50,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, a Celtics superfan, said on his podcast in the aftermath of the team’s failed attempt.
Jaylen Brown landing spots: Teams that could trade for Celtics star
Atlanta Hawks
Brown’s hometown team could package emerging young wings like Jonathan Kuminga, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels and draft picks to pair a bonafide star with Jalen Johnson
Houston Rockets
Brown won a title in Boston with Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Houston had a rockier-than-expected first year with Kevin Durant in the fold. There are plenty of young pieces, most notably big man Alperin Sengun, that would likely interest the Celtics in a potential Brown deal.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers have set themselves up to have the salary cap space to bring in Brown and there’s a new owner who might want to make a splash. The contracts of Jrue Holiday or Jerami Grant will have to be involved, and a possible deal would hinge on what the Celtics think of Portland’s young core.
New Orleans Pelicans
Trey Murphy has long been an attractive trade piece the Pelicans have not been willing to part with, but Brown might be the caliber of player to change their mind. Jordan Poole’s expiring contract could help facilitate an easy exchange.
Jaylen Brown contract details
Brown is under contract with the Boston Celtics through the 2028-29 NBA season after signing a 5-year supermax extension worth up to $304 million in July 2023. He is eligible to sign an additional 2-year, $142-million extension with the Celtics during the 2026 offseason. He still has three years and nearly $182 million remaining on his current contract.
Jaylen Brown stats
Brown averaged a career-best 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists during the 2025-26 season. He just completed his 10th year in the NBA after the Celtics chose him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaylen Brown trade rumors, landing spots, contract after Giannis trade
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