Jaylen Brown is already an NBA champion and one of the Boston Celtics’ biggest stars, but his latest comments suggest his career could one day come full circle back home. Appearing on the Big Tigger Morning Show, the Atlanta native dropped a hint that he may eventually suit up for the Hawks.
When asked if he could see himself playing for his hometown team, Brown responded with a coy, “You never know… Nah, I feel you. Nah, I think my grandma would, too… but you never know. We’ll see.”
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While far from a declaration, the comment was enough to set social media buzzing. For a city that has long dreamed of pairing an elite hometown talent with its franchise, Brown’s words carried weight.
Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Brown has always maintained strong ties to Atlanta. His grandmother remains a central figure in his life, and visiting her home is his first stop whenever he returns.
“Must-have? I gotta go to my grandma’s house… She cooks. She was just chilling this time, but she usually cooks when I come back.”
For Brown, family is at the heart of his connection to Atlanta, and that bond makes the idea of playing there one day more than just idle speculation.
It isn’t just family that keeps Brown grounded in Atlanta. He also has rituals tied to the city’s culture, including a mandatory trip to Waffle House.
“Outside? I gotta go to Waffle House… The All-Star Special.”
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These simple traditions highlight his love for the city and its community, something that could one day translate into a homecoming story.
From a basketball perspective, the timing of Brown’s comments comes at an intriguing moment. The Hawks are in the middle of trying to figure out their long-term direction with Trae Young, who has been their face for the last seven years.
Rumors have swirled that the front office is taking its time before offering Young an extension, instead watching his chemistry with Jalen Johnson and their younger core. Should that partnership falter, Atlanta could be forced to pivot and consider other stars to build around.
Enter Brown. The Celtics forward signed a record-breaking supermax extension in 2024, meaning he’s under contract till 2029. That means he would be 33 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent and can have a chance to sign with the Hawks.
But in today’s NBA, contracts don’t always guarantee permanence. If Atlanta ever wanted to pursue its hometown hero, the Hawks have the assets to make a deal or wait until Brown becomes a free agent down the line.
For now, Boston fans can breathe easy. But his comments on the radio show served as a reminder that the NBA is unpredictable and that players, especially those with strong hometown ties, often think about what it would mean to wear their city’s jersey.
For Hawks fans, Brown’s hint was more than just a passing remark. It was a spark of possibility that one day, a homegrown All-Star could bring his championship experience and passion back to Atlanta. And while Brown left his answer open-ended, the message was clear enough: you never know.
