Sports Illustrated NBA Mock Trade: Boston Celtics Deal Jaylen Brown to the Portland Trail Blazers in Blockbuster Shakeup
In a fictional but detailed mock trade crafted by Sports Illustrated, the Boston Celtics—fresh off their 2024 NBA Championship—make a jaw-dropping move that sends All-NBA swingman Jaylen Brown to the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal that would send shockwaves across the league.
According to the mock scenario, the Celtics receive a return package centered around Anfernee Simons, rising defensive star Shaedon Sharpe, a 2026 first-round pick (via Milwaukee), and a 2028 unprotected first-round pick. The trade, while entirely speculative, is presented as a long-term strategic pivot by Boston’s front office, aimed at reshaping its core around Jayson Tatum while maintaining future flexibility.
🟢 Why Boston Pulls the Trigger
Despite signing Jaylen Brown to a historic $304 million supermax deal just a year prior, the Celtics’ front office—led in this mock by Brad Stevens—is portrayed as wary of committing to two supermax contracts long-term. Tatum’s extension looms, and locking up both stars would severely limit cap flexibility.
The mock suggests that Boston, with a ring now secured, feels emboldened to shift gears. In this scenario, Stevens bets on acquiring elite young talent, positional depth, and future picks to keep Boston both competitive and agile.
Shaedon Sharpe brings athleticism and upside as a two-way wing with star potential, while Simons adds instant offense and playmaking next to Tatum. Combined with draft capital, the Celtics position themselves for a quick retool rather than a rebuild.
🔴 Portland’s Bold Gamble
For the Trail Blazers, acquiring Jaylen Brown marks a dramatic shift from rebuilding to contending. After years of grooming young guards and forward prospects post-Damian Lillard, the move to bring in a top-15 player signals urgency and ambition.
Brown becomes the face of the franchise—a two-way All-Star in his prime who can mentor a still-developing roster and elevate Portland’s competitiveness in the crowded Western Conference. Pairing Brown with rising big man Deandre Ayton, veteran Jerami Grant, and lottery pick Ron Holland could immediately thrust Portland into playoff contention.
🔁 The Trade Summary
➡ Boston Celtics receive:
Anfernee Simons
Shaedon Sharpe
2026 1st-round pick (via MIL)
2028 unprotected 1st-round pick (POR)
➡ Portland Trail Blazers receive:
Jaylen Brown
🔍 Reactions from Around the League
Fictional league insiders in the piece note that the trade would be “risky but visionary” for both sides. Celtics fans might mourn the departure of a Finals hero, but many would be intrigued by Sharpe’s ceiling and Simons’ fit next to Tatum. Meanwhile, Blazers fans—hungry for relevance—would erupt at the idea of adding a bona fide superstar still entering his prime.
🎯 Bottom Line
While purely hypothetical, the Sports Illustrated mock trade raises compelling questions about Boston’s long-term core, Portland’s future plans, and the volatile nature of the NBA’s superstar economy. Would Boston really deal Brown after a championship? Could Portland convince him to re-sign long-term? And what does this say about the evolving strategies of contender vs. rebuilder?
One thing’s certain: if a trade like this ever materialized, it would instantly reshape the power structure of both conferences.
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