Brian Windhorst says teams are telling him the Boston Celtics plan to trade away $27.7 million player

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported that NBA teams believe the Boston Celtics are considering trading **Jaylen Brown**, a \$27.7 million-per-year player, due to the franchise’s escalating payroll pressures and new ownership dynamics.—

### 🏀 What Windhorst Has Said

* **Payroll concerns under new ownership**

Windhorst explained that with Bill Chisholm’s group’s recent \$6 billion purchase of the Celtics, Boston’s total payroll—including luxury taxes—could exceed **\$450–500 million** if the current roster remains intact. That places them perilously over the NBA’s second apron threshold, which limits roster flexibility ([nbaanalysis.net][1]).

* **Why Brown is in focus**

Jaylen Brown, the reigning Finals MVP, earns a hefty \$53 million this coming season under his supermax contract. If the Celtics need to cut expenses, Brown represents the most financially impactful trade candidate ([NESN.com][2]).

* **Teams expect Boston to listen**

While Windhorst notes the Celtics haven’t signaled any internal contract talks (in contrast to other agents) and haven’t outright indicated Brown is untouchable, multiple league teams expect that if a large enough offer comes in, Boston would at least engage in negotiations ([Bleacher Report][3]).

—

### A Possible Shift in Strategy

* The Celtics have already traded **Jrue Holiday** and **Kristaps Porziņģis** to avoid heavier tax penalties—moves that shaved off millions and brought them under the apron ([basketballnetwork.net][4]).

* With **Jayson Tatum** sidelined by a torn Achilles for much of next season, Boston’s immediate championship hopes are uncertain, making a strategic “reset” more feasible ([basketballnetwork.net][4]).

* Windhorst warns that if the Celtics don’t contend next year, maintaining such an expensive roster becomes harder to justify ([Larry Brown Sports][5]).—

### But It’s Not a Done Deal

* Brown remains a cornerstone of the franchise, and Windhorst emphasizes that trading him isn’t a given—Boston may decide to keep both he and Tatum “come hell or high water,” and instead downsize elsewhere ([World Today News][6]).

* Porziņģis is considered more “definitely being shopped” if Boston pursues cost reductions ([Bleacher Report][3]).

* Additionally, Brown’s knee injury and age (28) could influence trade interest and evaluations ([NESN.com][2]).—

### In Summary

1. **Why Brown?**

Massive salary, high financial leverage due to new ownership and looming luxury tax.

2. **What that means:**

League sources and Windhorst anticipate Boston may at least listen if a blockbuster offer arrives—even for a Finals MVP.

3. **Why not locked in:**

Brown is still core to Boston’s identity. The franchise may choose alternative cost-cutting routes or retain both he and Tatum.

4. **Near-term impact:**

Expect further moves this offseason and possibly early in the season, especially surrounding supporting cast and luxury tax mitigation.—### Final Take

This isn’t a confirmed trade, but a strong financial rationale is pressuring the Celtics to consider options. While Jaylen Brown’s name is circulating due to his contract, Boston’s ultimate decision will hinge on the **scale of the offer**, **team performance without Tatum**, and whether they can find cheaper ways to balance their books while remaining competitive.—

If you’d like, I can keep an eye on trade rumors or dig into potential trade destinations and packages for Brown.

1]: https://nbaanalysis.net/brian-windhorst-on-why-teams-around-the-nba-believe-boston-celtics-could-trade-jaylen-brown/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Brian Windhorst on why teams around the NBA believe Boston Celtics could trade Jaylen Brown”

[2]: https://nesn.com/2025/06/jaylen-brown-trade-brian-windorst-celtics-jrue-holiday/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Jaylen Brown Trade? Brian Windhorst Ponders Celtics Blockbuster”

[3]: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25212613-windhorst-feels-porzingis-trade-talks-celtics-jaylen-brown-white-not-untouchable?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Windhorst Feels Porzingis in Trade Talks, Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, White Not Untouchable”

[4]: https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/brian-windhorst-explains-why-the-celtics-have-been-busy-trading-their-key-players?utm_source=chatgpt.com “\”I don’t think that they see themselves as a real championship contender\” – Brian Windhorst explains why the Celtics have been busy trading their key players – Basketball Network – Your daily dose of basketball”

[5]: https://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/brian-windhorst-celtics-break-up/696530?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Brian Windhorst says Celtics could break up the team”

[6]: https://www.world-today-news.com/celtics-trade-rumors-insider-reveals-key-possibility/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Celtics Tra

de Rumors: Insider Reveals Key Possibility – World Today News”