James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers
Celtics Facing Tough Financial Decisions: Could a Jaylen Brown Trade Be on the Horizon?
The Boston Celtics are on the verge of a financial crossroads. With their 2025-26 cap figure projected to be the highest in the NBA at $262.2 million (per Spotrac), the franchise is walking a fine line between championship contention and luxury tax disaster.
If the Celtics capture another title this season, the cost might not matter. But if they fall short, could the front office look to shake things up and create some financial breathing room?
The Jaylen Brown Factor
One of the biggest factors in Boston’s financial future is Jaylen Brown’s supermax contract. With a $53.1 million cap hit next season and a deal that stretches into 2028-29—topping out at $65 million—his contract is a major piece of the Celtics’ salary puzzle.
Brown has been the subject of trade rumors for most of his career, and with new ownership set to take over in Boston, his future with the team is uncertain. If the incoming ownership group isn’t keen on paying the massive luxury tax bill, moving Brown could be the most logical way to ease the financial burden while keeping the team competitive.
Could James Harden Be a Solution?
If the Celtics were to part ways with Brown, one intriguing option to replace him could be former MVP James Harden. The three-time scoring champion has a player option this summer and could be an attractive short-term addition at a lower salary.
At 36 years old, Harden is no longer the explosive force he once was, but he’s still producing at an All-Star level for the Clippers. More importantly, he’s ringless. A chance to chase a championship in Boston could be a compelling reason for Harden to sign at a discount.
A direct Brown-for-Harden trade wouldn’t work financially unless Harden opted into his $36.3 million player option. However, a package involving Harden and another Clippers player—like Derrick Jones Jr. or Ivica Zubac—would make the salaries match.
The Basketball Fit
Beyond the financial benefits, adding Harden would drastically change Boston’s offensive dynamic. He has always thrived with the ball in his hands, which could create some redundancy with Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, who currently handle much of the playmaking.
However, Harden’s elite offensive skill set could take pressure off Tatum, allowing him to conserve energy throughout the regular season. Plus, the Celtics would be adding a player desperate for a championship—something that could inject an extra level of hunger into a roster full of players who have already won.
The Risk vs. Reward
Trading Brown would be a bold basketball decision but a clear financial win. It would provide the Celtics with flexibility to build around Tatum long-term while potentially maintaining their championship status.
On the flip side, keeping Brown offers stability and continuity, something that has already made Boston one of the NBA’s best teams.
Ultimately, whether the Celtics decide to shake things up could come down to their postseason success—and how willing their new ownership is to keep footing the bill.
