The Boston Celtics have been very active on the trade market this summer. While they have not completed any major roster moves, they’ve been in the race for several high-profile names already, including Giannis Antetokounmpo. Of course, this all comes as one of their own stars, swingman Jaylen Brown, faces major uncertainty.
As relations continue to sour between Brown and the Celtics’ front office, he’s become the subject of multiple trade talks as teams scramble to seize a major opportunity. So far, the Nuggets cannot be considered favorites for Brown, but the latest report by Jake Fischer and Marc Stein suggests that a pursuit of the star swingman is being heavily considered by the Denver Nuggets.
“Sources say that the Nuggets have at least internally discussed whether they have the asset wherewithal to join the trade chase for Boston’s Jaylen Brown, but the Nuggets have yet to emerge as a bona fide landing spot for the Celtics’ MVP candidate.”
It’s only been three years since the Nuggets’ title run, but they’ve fallen behind some of their top Western competitors. This summer, after a loss in the first round, urgency has been dialed up to make changes that will convince Nikola Jokic to sign a new extension. So while trading for Jaylen Brown would be a risk for Denver, it’s one they might be willing to take if it means forming a powerful duo that could extend their championship window.
As a two-way wing with championship experience, Brown would make a heavenly fit in Denver, and he’s coming off the best season of his career with averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. At just 29, he’s not much younger than Nikola Jokic (31), putting them on roughly the same timeline.
The only hesitation for the Nuggets would come from what they would have to give up for Brown. The Celtics are said to be seeking at least four first-round picks for their star, along with high-impact players who can make an immediate impact.
The problem for the Nuggets is that they lack tradeable draft picks. With only their 2031 pick available to be dealt, the Nuggets would likely have to give up either Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon to get the picks they need for Jaylen. Of course, that would then have to send the picks, along with either Murray or Gordon, to the Celtics for Brown.
On paper, it’s the kind of daring move that can result in historic success, but also great failure. As much as Brown and Jokic would be great together, the Nuggets would have to gut much of their depth just to make it work. The product would be a top-heavy team that’s far too reliant on its stars.
Ultimately, the best route for the Nuggets is to find a pathway to Brown without giving up both Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray. With that outcome, Denver could bring in some star power without compromising their depth. It’s easier said than done for Denver, but they cannot afford complacency with an aging veteran core that’s ready to win now.
