The Boston Celtics were a bit disappointed with the way they failed to make the NBA Finals this season, despite overcoming an 0-3 deficit and forcing a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics simply lacked enough star power since Jaylen Brown was unable to make up for Jayson Tatum’s inconsistencies and trouble with injury in the pivotal Game 7. As great as Jaylen Brown was this year, making the All-NBA Second Team, he won’t be confused for being a top-ten player in the world like his teammate.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers have not been able to find success with the superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as both players have not been able to keep healthy in the sun of Los Angeles for whatever reason. As a result, the Clippers could be looking for a way to move on from their duo and possibly find a way to extend their championship window. In a move that could fix both teams by swapping star players, the Boston Celtics could add a top-ten player in the world, Kawhi Leonard, in exchange for the services of All-Star Jaylen Brown.
It seems rumors of the split between Tatum and Brown have been spreading, as even NBA legends are pleading for this to happen for the sake of Boston’s future. Boston is also making moves to improve the coaching staff, adding Sam Cassell to Joe Mazzula’s staff in the hopes of taking another step forward next year. Adding a superstar player of Kawhi’s caliber would certainly be yet another change that could be needed as long as Jaylen Brown signs the supermax extension first before agreeing to a sign-and-trade.
Here are the trade details that will shake up both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference while creating the best possible duo in Boston.
Boston Celtics Create Best Duo In NBA
The Boston Celtics have been one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, and they are always looking for ways to improve their roster despite the fact that they made the NBA Finals last year and made it to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals this season. Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the league, and he would be a great addition to the Celtics’ lineup. In order to acquire Leonard, the Celtics would have to give up some valuable assets, including Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and a 2026 first-round pick.
Jaylen Brown is a talented player who has shown a lot of star power in his time with the Celtics. However, he has struggled with consistency and has not yet reached his full potential in terms of being a reliable player in critical stretches during the postseason, as evidenced by his 8-turnover performance in Game 7. Of course, Marcus Smart is a valuable role player who brings toughness and defensive intensity to the team. He is a fan favorite and a key part of the Celtics’ success over the past two seasons, but he could be a risk the team must afford to lose. Not to mention, the 2026 first-round pick is a valuable asset that could be used to acquire other players in the future.
While giving up these assets may seem like a steep price to pay, acquiring Kawhi Leonard would be a game-changer for the Celtics. Leonard is a two-time NBA champion and a two-time NBA Finals MVP who is still one of the best two-way players in the league, with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at an elite level. He would give the Celtics a legitimate superstar to build around and would make them a serious contender for the NBA championship. In addition to his on-court abilities, Leonard would also bring a winning mentality and a strong work ethic to the Celtics. He would be a great mentor for the young players on the team, including budding superstar Jayson Tatum and would help to bring back a winning culture in Boston.
Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum would make a fantastic duo because they both possess a unique combination of offensive and defensive skills. Kawhi Leonard is known for his lockdown defense and his ability to score efficiently from all areas of the court. He is also a proven winner, having won multiple championships and Finals MVP awards. Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, has a smooth shooting stroke and can create his own shot off the dribble.
Leonard and Tatum would also form a formidable defensive duo that could shut down opposing teams’ best players. Additionally, both players are versatile and can play multiple positions, which would give their team flexibility in terms of lineup combinations. As great as Jaylen Brown is on both ends of the court, Leonard is simply a different level of player who would elevate Tatum’s game much more.
Los Angeles Clippers Re-Tool By Getting Younger And Healthier
The Los Angeles Clippers have a talented roster as currently constructed, headlined by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but they have struggled to make it to the NBA Finals since the start of the 2019-20 season. Trading Kawhi Leonard for Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and a 2026 first-round pick could be a smart move for the Clippers.
Jaylen Brown is still a young and talented player who has shown a lot of potential in his time with the Boston Celtics, as he is only 26 years old. For the sake of swapping a nearly 32-year-old wing for one who is six years younger, this makes sense. Brown is a strong defender and has improved his scoring ability each year which is a great sign for the player’s future. Marcus Smart is also a strong defender and a valuable role player who can contribute in a variety of ways on both ends of the court alongside Paul George and Jaylen Brown. The 2026 first-round pick could also be a valuable asset for the Clippers in the future.
While Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly a talented player, he has had injury concerns in the past and may not be able to play at his best for the entire season. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Leonard has not managed a single 65-game season. That has led to deep-rooted issues within the organization because it might rub some staff and players the wrong way. The Clippers have struggled with chemistry issues in the past, and trading Leonard could help to alleviate some of those issues.
A new starting lineup with Marcus Smart, Norman Powell, Jaylen Brown, Paul George, and Ivica Zubac could be a defensive team with a ton of versatility and scoring on the other end. The days of praying for Leonard and George to stay healthy together and actually lead the Clippers could be over, and making a move for two players and a first-round pick makes total sense at this moment in time. Ultimately, the decision to trade Kawhi Leonard for Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and a 2026 first-round pick would depend on the priorities of both teams. The Clippers may be looking to build for the future, while the Celtics may be looking to win now. Either way, both teams have talented players and assets that could be valuable in the right situation.
Clippers Extend Championship Window, Boston Wins Next Year
Overall, the Clippers can get younger and force Paul George into the leadership role by taking more responsibility. Perhaps that would fix the Clippers’ chemistry problems and give head coach Ty Lue a new roster with two players who show up game after game without the need to worry about injuries constantly. Clippers fans, and most likely Steve Ballmer, are done with playing the waiting game and too much investment has been made already. Going six years younger for a franchise player makes a ton of sense, especially when the team is still good enough to compete.
The Boston Celtics, however, win the deal if Leonard can play at least 60 games next season and keep healthy for the playoffs. Boston lived and died by the three-pointer at times, and Leonard is not a player who settles. Rather, he can score in the post, use his size to back down defenders, and draw fouls. He is a master offensively, and that type of versatility is critical for the Celtics to diversify their offense. Not to mention, Leonard brings back the defensive identity that led the team to the NBA Finals last season.
Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum would make a formidable duo in Boston, as they both possess a unique combination of offensive and defensive skills. There is no doubt that together, they would form a dynamic one-two punch that could lead the Celtics to a championship. Of course, winning a championship takes more than just two players, and the Celtics would need to build a strong supporting cast around Leonard and Tatum, including elite play from Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White, Al Horford, and Robert Williams. With Leonard and Tatum’s talent and potential, there’s no doubt that they could lead Boston to the promised land.
