Grade the mock trade: Kings land Jaylen Brown in blockbuster deal
By Logan Struck
Why do the Sacramento Kings do this trade?
The Sacramento Kings would trade for Jaylen Brown to build one of the best “big three” trios in the NBA. A lineup consisting of three All-NBA players in De’Aaron Fox, Jaylen Brown, and Domantas Sabonis immediately put the Kings atop the Western Conference next to the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets.
While it is hard to give up young assets, especially a rising star in Keegan Murray, Jaylen Brown is a proven star. Brown is coming off a career-best year, averaging 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 49/33/76 shooting splits. While his volume was at a career-high, Brown delivered.
The 26-year-old is a two-time All-Star and one of the elite two-way talents in the league, but there is one major concern: his contract. Brown only has one year remaining on his current deal until he hits unrestricted free agency. Would the Kings want to take the chance on a possible one-year rental?
Kings Trade Grade: B+
Why do the Boston Celtics do this trade?
The Celtics have one superstar they need to keep happy: Jayson Tatum. While the duo of Tatum and Brown have a Finals appearance under their belt, the two stars have not proven they are best when playing together. They both want the ball in their hands, and they both want to score. By trading Brown, the Celtics can focus on building around Jayson Tatum.
Instead of pairing Tatum with another star, he becomes a one-man show with the best supporting cast around him. Giving Boston two elite shooters in Murray and Huerter allow them to stretch the floor, and Tatum can create for himself and his teammates.
Keegan Murray has proven to be a rising star in this league, coming off a record-breaking rookie season. The 22-year-old has shown he is already making a sophomore jump with strong Summer League performances, as scouts notice a “Kawhi Leonard” type of improvement.
In the unlikely scenario that the Boston Celtics trade away Jaylen Brown, they are likely looking for a Damian Lillard-esque player in return, which the Kings will not provide.
