In one of the more surprising trade ideas of the 2025 offseason, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed a blockbuster deal that would send Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown to the Brooklyn Nets, a divisional rival and a franchise still haunted by the infamous 2013 trade that helped the Celtics land Brown in the first place.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics Receive: Cam Thomas (sign-and-trade), Noah Clowney, the No. 8 pick in 2025, a 2027 first-round pick (via Philadelphia), and a top-5 protected 2031 first-round pick
The primary motivation behind this move isn’t basketball, it’s financial. Boston is projected to surpass the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax system by nearly $20 million, a scenario that would restrict their flexibility in executing further trades or roster moves.
By offloading Brown’s massive supermax contract, which is set to pay him $53.1 million next season and nearly $65 million by 2028-29, the Celtics would gain crucial cap relief while recouping multiple assets that could aid a soft reset.
With Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles, Boston’s chances of contending next year are slim. Bailey’s hypothetical deal allows the Celtics to duck the second apron and accumulate future capital, though it unquestionably weakens them in the short term.
Cam Thomas, while talented, may not remain in Boston long-term. Noah Clowney is still a project. The centerpiece of this trade from Boston’s angle is financial flexibility and three valuable draft picks.
For the Brooklyn Nets, the motivation is clearer: land a star.
After failing to secure a top-four pick in the 2025 draft lottery and lacking a cornerstone since the Kyrie-KD era imploded, Brooklyn is desperate for a franchise face. Brown, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this past season and won the 2024 Finals MVP, fits that bill.
Even with Cam Thomas flashing All-Star scoring potential before a hamstring injury ended his season, the Nets might be willing to move on. Pairing Brown with Nicolas Claxton’s defense and Cameron Johnson’s floor spacing would instantly elevate Brooklyn’s ceiling.
There’s also a hint of poetic irony in Brown donning a Nets jersey, the very franchise that unknowingly launched Boston’s dynasty by trading away their future picks in 2013.
Still, this deal isn’t without risk for Brooklyn. Brown’s salary is massive, and building a contending team around him would require perfect roster construction, especially if another star isn’t acquired. But in a league where top-tier wings are everything and stars rarely become available, the Nets may view this as their window to strike.
From Boston’s side, this could just be the beginning. If Brown is traded, expect Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White to also surface in trade talks as Brad Stevens reshapes the team.
This move, while jarring, reflects a broader reality for both franchises: Brooklyn is hungry for a star, and Boston may need to choose sustainability over sentiment. Whether it happens or not, this hypothetical has already set off ripple effects across NBA circles.
