Chatter is building that the Boston Celtics could be a suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo, which would pave the way for Jaylen Brown to land with the Milwaukee Bucks. Brown hasn't exactly come out and said he wants to be the first option on a team, but his recent comments sure make it sound that way. If traded to Milwaukee, the Bucks could grant him that wish.
Brown hinting that he loves being the go-to guy
On a stream recently, Brown made it clear he had a lot of fun this season. "It was my favorite year of my basketball career," was how he specifically put it. That's interesting. This year was more fun than the title season? Really? Some have wondered whether or not it's because Brown got to really spread his wings as the first option with Jayson Tatum recovering from Achilles surgery.
"It was my favorite year of my basketball career"
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 4, 2026
- Jaylen Brown
(h/t @rileysbetter ) pic.twitter.com/bancNJPrkQ
Statistically, Brown put up the best numbers of his career, tallying 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting a career-high 16 shot attempts per game. Life as a first option was great for a good chunk of the season, as Brown had the Celtics near the top of the East. Once Tatum returned, that struggle for who was No. 1 and who was No. 2 began.
If these two stay together, that question mark isn't going anywhere.
If Brown is fine sharing the floor with Tatum and being a 1A/1B duo, he'll stay. Yet, if the taste of first option basketball opened his eyes, it wouldn't be surprising if he desired that, especially as Tracy McGrady, a friend of Brown's, reports there is frustration with Boston on Brown's end, which he pointed out on an episode of Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady.
A Brown-Antetokounmpo trade could give Brown his wish
If this trade were to happen, and that's a big if, Jaylen Brown suddenly becomes Milwaukee's alpha. He would no longer have to share the title with Tatum. The Bucks would instantly become his team, and he'd have free range to do everything he did in Boston as a first option. Is that something that he wants at this point in his career? It's certainly a question making the rounds.
Being a full-time first option isn't something that Brown will get in Boston. The team isn't trading Tatum to give Brown the runway. If he wants that role, it will have to come from a different team, and if the Celtics truly have Giannis interest, the pathway could be there. Of course, a deal would take much more than just Brown straight up, but the Celtics have the assets if Giannis is on the table.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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