Hawks Reportedly Revisiting Interest in Celtics’ Jaylen Brown
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The Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics briefly discussed a possible Jaylen Brown trade last summer and are expected to reopen those talks in the coming offseason, NBC Sports’ Chris Mannix said in a recent broadcast.
According to Mannix, last year’s dialogue was strictly exploratory because Atlanta was hesitant to absorb Brown’s $53.1 million salary while its roster was still developing. Boston was not actively shopping the two-time All-NBA wing, leaving little common ground for a deal.
Brown, 29 in October, went on to record the strongest statistical campaign of his career while filling Boston’s primary scoring role during Jayson Tatum’s recovery from an Achilles injury. The season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia, and Mannix believes the Celtics could now be more open to moving Brown’s contract, which has three years and more than $183 million remaining.
Atlanta’s late-season surge secured the No. 6 seed, potentially making the Hawks more willing to take on salary in hopes of elevating to contender status by 2026-27.
Other Potential Suitors
Mannix added that several franchises could pursue Brown if he hits the market. He cited the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and Golden State Warriors—clubs expected to chase Giannis Antetokounmpo—as teams that might pivot to Brown should they miss out on the Milwaukee star.
Eventful Week for Brown
Since Boston’s elimination last Saturday, Brown has faced scrutiny on multiple fronts. He used a Twitch stream to criticize officiating during the series, accusing referees of holding “an agenda” that led to an unusual number of offensive fouls and calling out Sixers center Joel Embiid for flopping. The NBA fined Brown $50,000 for the comments.
He also drew backlash from some Celtics fans after labeling 2025-26 his “favorite season” despite the early playoff exit. Former NBA star Tracy McGrady, who mentors Brown, told NBC there is behind-the-scenes frustration, prompting president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to clarify that Brown has not expressed any displeasure to him.
Brown later sought to calm the situation, reaffirming his desire to finish his career in Boston and denying any rift with Stevens.
Contract Outlook
The veteran guard is owed $57 million in 2026-27, $61 million in 2027-28, and nearly $65 million in 2028-29 before reaching free agency in the summer of 2029—figures that could give interested teams pause despite his on-court production.
Source: HoopsRumors
