The Boston Celtics are heading into a pivotal offseason.
Amid growing speculation, a blockbuster trade proposal has surfaced. It would send star guard Jaylen Brown to a rising Eastern Conference contender: the Orlando Magic.
The Celtics are coming off a 61–21 regular season and a deep playoff run that ended in disappointment. After defeating the Orlando Magic in five games in the first round, the Celtics advanced to the conference semifinals.
There, they were eliminated by the New York Knicks in six games.
The loss was compounded by a devastating setback. Franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tendon tear in Game 4, an injury that could sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season.
The Trade Proposal
With Tatum sidelined and payroll maxed out, speculation about roster changes is heating up.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, one bold idea has Boston trading Jaylen Brown to the Magic in exchange for:
- Jonathan Isaac
- Anthony Black
- Moritz Wagner
- A 2028 first-round pick (top-1 protected)
- A 2030 first-round pick (top-6 protected)
This hypothetical deal would pair Brown with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, giving Orlando one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the league. The Magic could view Brown as a finishing piece to accelerate their rise in the East.
For Boston, the trade would create significant salary relief. Brown is owed $53.1 million next season and $236 million total over the life of his supermax deal. Offloading his contract while acquiring young talent and draft capital would allow the Celtics to reset around a Tatum-less roster while preparing for the future.
Brown’s Value Remains High
Despite finishing the 2024–25 season with a partially torn right meniscus, Brown remained one of the league’s most productive wings. He appeared in 63 games, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. A 2024 NBA Finals MVP, Brown’s blend of scoring, defense, and postseason experience makes him one of the most valuable trade chips in the league.
At 28 years old, he still has several prime years ahead. And Orlando, a team filled with size, defensive versatility, and youth, could allow him to take on a primary leadership role.
A Pivotal Summer in Boston
Jayson Tatum is facing a long recovery. At the same time, the Celtics are staring down the highest payroll in the NBA next season.
General Manager Brad Stevens will have difficult decisions to make.
While no official trade talks have been reported, scenarios like the Brown-to-Orlando proposal highlight something bigger.
There’s growing pressure on Boston’s front office to act, and act decisively.
