Boston Celtics came close to trading Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant after playoff frustrations

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 52 points in Boston’s Game 5 victory on Monday, one final overpowering performance from the Celtics’ deadly tandem as the legendary organization defeated Dallas to capture its 19th NBA Finals championship.

Brown and Tatum took turns in the spotlight during the season, earning All-Star nominations and averaging at least 23 points per game to lead Boston to its second-winningest season since 1985. But this spectacular marriage nearly fell apart before their championship run, with whispers circling that Brown would be moved for Phoenix’s Kevin Durant last season.

“I’m hearing that [Durant] is on the verge of potentially being moved out, as we’ve all been speculating about, that he may be moved,” ESPN anchor Stephen A. Smith said ahead of the 2023 trade deadline during First Take. “On the phone, I hear Boston has made some calls. Keep an eye on that. Jaylen Brown. “Keep an eye on that.”

Brown’s potential climb to NBA greatness was largely anticipated by high school recruiting gurus, who rated him as the fifth-best high-school talent in the 2015 class, but the famously bright basketball player chose to spend his lone college season at academic powerhouse Cal. Brown was taken third overall in the following year’s NBA Draft after averaging 14.6 points per game, and he broke out professionally in his second season.

Despite scoring more than 20 points per game over the previous four seasons, Brown was frequently mentioned in trade rumors and expressed doubts about his long-term future with the Celtics. “I do not know. “As long as I’m needed,” Brown replied. “It is not up to me. We’ll see how they feel about me over time, as well as how I feel about them. I hope whatever it is makes sense. But I will stay where I am wanted. I will stay where I am needed and treated appropriately.”

Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck said that he promised Brown that he “wasn’t going anywhere” before the trade deadline, but the Cal product’s status in Beantown was guaranteed with a five-year, $304 million contract this offseason, the costliest deal in NBA history. The shooting guard has subsequently made amends for Boston’s recent playoff setbacks and established his superiority over Tatum, winning the NBA Finals MVP trophy.

Teammate Jrue Holiday even agreed with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd that Brown may be the best Celtic, emphasizing his versatility on both sides of the court. He said, “I don’t believe he’s lying. He’s been aggressive in every area, going to the paint, getting to the 3-point line, and creating opportunities for others.

“And he’s guarding Luka Doncic, the best player. Where does your greatest player carry such a large role on offense and defense? That is difficult to achieve, especially against someone like Luka.”