Celtics should cut ties with $285 million Eastern Conference All-Star, per ex-NBA guard

The Boston Celtics are in shambles after blowing back-to-back 20-point leads against the New York Knicks. 

After the Celtics’ first collapse (108-105 overtime loss), many expected Joe Mazzulla’s club to bounce back in Game 2 and tie the Eastern Conference series up at one game apiece. 

It was initially headed in that direction. However, the Celtics’ inability to play inside-out consistently resulted in a massive fourth-quarter meltdown and a 2-0 series deficit. 

Boston connected on only 10 of the 40 three-point jumpers they attempted in the contest, resulting in a dismal 25.0% long-range shooting percentage.

The franchise’s second-leading scorer and 2025 Eastern Conference All-Star, Jaylen Brown, has struggled with his efficiency lately, prompting former NBA player Jeff Teague to suggest the Celtics should trade him this summer if he doesn’t turn things around.

“Who I would trade JB for, is that Thompson twin (Amen- Houston Rockets),” Jeff Teague said on the Club 520 podcast Thursday. “Or I would call Detroit (Pistons) and say, hey, do you want Jaylen Brown? We’ll take that Thompson twin (Ausar).” 

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

“And then they would lose some money and get down on the tax, but you still get an up-and-coming star. If they (Celtics) lose this series, then I’m going to get one of those Thompson twins.”

Like many of the other Celtics, Brown has turned down countless opportunities to put his head down and get to the rim against the Knicks.

The California product began Game 2 with a downhill mentality but settled for low-percentage perimeter jumpers as the clash progressed. 

Following a 10% long-range shooting performance in Game 1 (1-10), Brown only drilled two of his seven triples (28.6%) during the Celtics’ crushing 91-90 Game 2 loss to the Knicks.

Brown notched 23 and 20 points but failed to overcome his three-point shooting woes.

Considering Brown signed a massive five-year, $285 million contract extension with the Celtics in 2023 and is performing below expectations, it would be logical for Boston to consider trading the 2024 NBA Finals MVP in the offseason. 

Boston must cut costs this summer, and Brown could be a primary trade bait asset if the Knicks prevail in the competitive second-round playoff series. 

While there’s no question that Brown is on a different level than the Thompson twins, their cheap contracts and ridiculously high ceilings could compel Boston to take a chance on one of them.

More NBA: LeBron James makes new announcement on retirement after Lakers' early playoff exit