Despite Tatum missing significant time with a torn Achilles, Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists to secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference before their seven-game postseason elimination.
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National basketball insiders have connected Brown to various hypothetical trade scenarios involving multiple franchises looking for high-octane two-way All-Stars.
The Sacramento Kings, who finished with a 22-60 record despite having veteran stars, have been mentioned as a logical destination alongside earlier discussions by the Atlanta Hawks.
Windhorst noted that the upcoming July contract extension window will provide immediate clarity regarding Brown's long-term future in Boston.
"This is extraordinarily simple," Windhorst said. "In July, Jaylen Brown has the opportunity to sign a contract extension with the Celtics.
If he's happy with the Celtics, it's a huge one. It could be $70 million per year.
If he's happy with the Celtics, sign. See you in September.
If he's not happy with the Celtics and he's like, 'I'm not sure I want to be here,' trade [him]."
League strategists view potential transactions as an opportunity to recoup essential depth, draft assets, or future financial flexibility under the new salary limitations.
"If — and I want to stress that this is a hypothetical — any Brown-for-Antetokounmpo conversation actually does materialize in the future, multiple rival team strategists this week suggested that the likely appeal for Milwaukee, in addition to draft capital from the Celtics, would be to move Brown on or expand such a deal into a multi-team transaction," said Jake Fischer, NBA Insider.
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A proposed package with Sacramento could theoretically involve Zach LaVine, Maxime Raynaud, Devin Carter, and the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, allowing Boston to clear substantial cap space by the 2027 offseason.
