You’re referring to a mock NBA trade proposal that imagines the Boston Celtics sending Jaylen Brown to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges—an idea that’s been generating buzz in light of Jayson Tatum’s recovery from an Achilles injury.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s being floated:
The Hypothetical Trade
Hornets Receive:
- Jaylen Brown
- Payton Pritchard
- Sam Hauser
Celtics Receive:
- LaMelo Ball
- Miles Bridges
This mock deal originates from a Sports Illustrated fantasy scenario by Mark Morales‑Smith, and was also analyzed by Fadeaway World .
Why It Makes Sense — Hornets Perspective
- Immediate impact: Jaylen Brown brings playoff and championship experience, elite defense, and scoring versatility to a Hornets squad in need of culture and leadership .
- Supplementary contributors: Payton Pritchard offers bench scoring and shooting, while Sam Hauser boosts floor spacing .
Why It Makes Sense — Celtics Perspective
- Youth and upside: LaMelo Ball (23) is a dynamic playmaker and offensive catalyst. In the absence of Tatum, he could lead the team in creating offense .
- Complementary scoring: Bridges adds scoring and rebounding, and has established chemistry with LaMelo .
- Financial flexibility: It helps Boston shed salary ($70.4M out vs. $62.9M in), helping manage luxury tax concerns .
But, Are These Rumors Real?
No — these are purely speculative mock trades, not backed by official negotiations. In reality:
- Celtics’ front office appears reluctant to trade Jaylen Brown. Assistant GM Mike Zarren emphasized Brown and Derrick White are viewed as core players and not seriously available for trade .
- Reports suggest multiple teams have inquired, but Boston prefers to hold onto Brown, at least for now .
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Source | SI’s Mark Morales‑Smith fantasy mock; also covered by Fadeaway World |
| Trade Package | Celtics get LaMelo & Bridges; Hornets get Brown, Pritchard, Hauser |
| Key Perks for Celtics | Young talent, offensive spark, cap relief |
| Key Perks for Hornets | Veteran leadership, defense, scoring consistency |
| Reality Check | Rumor; Celtics not currently pursuing trade of Brown or White |
Final Thought
This mock trade stirs the imagination—but it remains in the realm of “what-ifs.” While intriguing on paper, Jaylen Brown is still considered untouchable by Boston, at least according to the most recent credible reporting.
Let me know if you’d like to explore similar trade rumors or mock scenarios for other players or teams!
You’re referring to a mock NBA trade proposal that imagines the Boston Celtics sending Jaylen Brown to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges—an idea that’s been generating buzz in light of Jayson Tatum’s recovery from an Achilles injury.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s being floated:
The Hypothetical Trade
Hornets Receive:
- Jaylen Brown
- Payton Pritchard
- Sam Hauser
Celtics Receive:
- LaMelo Ball
- Miles Bridges
This mock deal originates from a Sports Illustrated fantasy scenario by Mark Morales‑Smith, and was also analyzed by Fadeaway World .
Why It Makes Sense — Hornets Perspective
- Immediate impact: Jaylen Brown brings playoff and championship experience, elite defense, and scoring versatility to a Hornets squad in need of culture and leadership .
- Supplementary contributors: Payton Pritchard offers bench scoring and shooting, while Sam Hauser boosts floor spacing .
Why It Makes Sense — Celtics Perspective
- Youth and upside: LaMelo Ball (23) is a dynamic playmaker and offensive catalyst. In the absence of Tatum, he could lead the team in creating offense .
- Complementary scoring: Bridges adds scoring and rebounding, and has established chemistry with LaMelo .
- Financial flexibility: It helps Boston shed salary ($70.4M out vs. $62.9M in), helping manage luxury tax concerns .
But, Are These Rumors Real?
No — these are purely speculative mock trades, not backed by official negotiations. In reality:
- Celtics’ front office appears reluctant to trade Jaylen Brown. Assistant GM Mike Zarren emphasized Brown and Derrick White are viewed as core players and not seriously available for trade .
- Reports suggest multiple teams have inquired, but Boston prefers to hold onto Brown, at least for now .
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Source | SI’s Mark Morales‑Smith fantasy mock; also covered by Fadeaway World |
| Trade Package | Celtics get LaMelo & Bridges; Hornets get Brown, Pritchard, Hauser |
| Key Perks for Celtics | Young talent, offensive spark, cap relief |
| Key Perks for Hornets | Veteran leadership, defense, scoring consistency |
| Reality Check | Rumor; Celtics not currently pursuing trade of Brown or White |
Final Thought
This mock trade stirs the imagination—but it remains in the realm of “what-ifs.” While intriguing on paper, Jaylen Brown is still considered untouchable by Boston, at least according to the most recent credible reporting.
Let me know if you’d like to explore similar trade rumors or mock scenarios for other players or teams!
Leave a Reply