Celtics could acquire five first-round picks in trade involving superstar

The Boston Celtics are no strangers to bold roster moves.

As the 2025 offseason looms, speculation about potential trades has begun to swirl, with one scenario generating significant buzz: a deal that could net the Celtics an unprecedented package of assets.

While the team’s Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown core has been a model of consistency, the NBA’s trade market is heating up, and Boston could capitalize on the skyrocketing value of elite two-way players.

A recent analysis by Sports Illustrated’s Ricardo Klein suggests the Celtics could command a historic return if they ever considered moving one of their cornerstone stars.

Klein’s assessment hinges on the evolving trade market, where players with All-Star pedigrees and playoff experience are fetching massive hauls. He points to a recent trade involving Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, who, despite never earning an All-Star nod, was dealt for four unprotected first-round picks. This precedent sets the stage for an even bigger potential deal involving a Celtics star with a far more decorated resume.

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"(Jaylen) Brown’s resume speaks volumes: multiple All-Star appearances, deep playoff runs, and a skill set that continues to evolve," Klein wrote.

"He’s a dynamic two-way force whose value goes well beyond the box score. If Bane fetched that kind of package, the market for Brown — should he ever become available — could be historic. With that being said, if the Celtics happen to put Brown on the trading block, there is a chance that the 28-year-old could go for a minimum of five unprotected first-round picks."

"If a player like Bane, who has never sniffed an All-Star game, can go for four (unprotected) first-round picks ... Brown, an NBA Finals MVP, could go for a minimum of five first-round picks and a multitude of players that could help Boston in the short or long term.”

At 28, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP Brown is in his prime.

For Boston, trading Brown would be a seismic shift, but the return could reshape the franchise. Five unprotected first-round picks, potentially spanning 2026 to 2030, would give the Celtics unmatched flexibility to rebuild or retool around Tatum.

Additional players in the deal—perhaps young prospects or rotation pieces—could address immediate needs, like frontcourt depth or playmaking.

However, Brown’s leadership and chemistry with Tatum make any trade a tough sell for fans.

The Celtics’ front office, led by Brad Stevens, has a history of calculated risks. While moving Brown seems unlikely given Boston’s championship window, the idea of leveraging Brown’s value to secure a haul that ensures long-term contention cannot be ruled out.

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