Jaylen Brown just had the best season of his career. Yet now, he finds himself in more trade rumors than ever as the Boston Celtics reportedly explore the idea of trading for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. That should serve as a warning for Chet Holmgren: It doesn’t matter how well you play; if you’re not a 1A, you could be traded.
The Celtics flamed out in the first round, and now, they could make a big-swing move for Antetokounmpo. It doesn’t matter how well Brown played last year. What if the Thunder lose before the Finals again next year? What if another superstar becomes available? Could Holmgren be thrown to the wolves?
Anything is possible. That’s the warning this whole Brown situation should unveil.
Jaylen Brown shows Chet Holmgren that no one is safe from trade talks
The NBA is a cruel business. Players can get traded at any point in time. Even after the best season of their career. That’s the situation Brown has found himself in this summer.
When Jayson Tatum went down with an Achilles rupture in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, many believed the Celtics would be a middling team, likely ending up in the Play-In or worse.
Instead, they fought hard and ended the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Brown earned All-NBA Second Team honors and was absolutely incredible all year.
Unfortunately, the Celtics blew a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. They blew it. And now, everything is subject to change in Boston.
In the blink of an eye, Brown went from one of the best players in the league to on the trade block, potentially being included in a deal to bring Antetokounmpo to the Celtics.
That’s how fast things can change. So, imagine how fast things could change for a guy like Holmgren if he doesn’t find a way to step things up on the offensive end.
Holmgren struggled in the playoffs, completely disappearing on offense during the Western Conference finals. OKC was bounced in seven games, losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
What if they lose again next year? What if they lose earlier in the playoffs? What if another superstar becomes available on the trade market, and the Thunder feel like they need to make a move?
Well, if the Brown situation is any indicator, no one is safe. Not even Holmgren. Especially when it comes to a situation like that.
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