​Rephrased: Celtics Trade Jayson Tatum? ESPN Insider Reveals Boston’s Real Plans originally ran on NESN. Click here to add NESN as a preferred source. The Boston Celtics moved on from Jaylen Brown after years of denying the rumors suggesting otherwise. That bold decision, including a swap with the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and draft capital, has sparked a follow-up question among fans: would the Celtics ever trade Jayson Tatum as well?
Recent chatter hasn’t spotlighted Tatum, and in Boston he has generally been viewed with slightly more reverence than Brown. It’s a reasonable doubt, though. Brown captured Finals MVP honors over Tatum, and he just logged the best season of his career while Tatum spent much of the year rehabbing a torn Achilles. Perhaps the Celtics are aiming for a complete reimagining of their roster. It wouldn’t be impossible to consider change.
A fresh update suggests otherwise: Tatum likely isn’t going anywhere. ESPN’s Shams Charania, during a radio appearance, said that when the Celtics were recently asked about trading Tatum, they responded, “No, we’re not trading Tatum. Untouchable.” In contrast, when asked about Brown, Charania noted that the Celtics replied, “Give us your best offer.”
That long-standing impression that Tatum and Brown weren’t truly equals in Boston appears to have some basis. Tatum seems positioned to lead the Celtics into a new era, while Brown moves on to rival him in Philadelphia.
There’s still plenty of intrigue to come, but trade rumors surrounding Tatum don’t look like part of the near-term uncertainty. In other Celtics news, fans can look forward to TD Garden guides and a complete history of Celtics championships for improved SEO value.