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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The biggest domino of the NBA offseason finally fell late Monday night.
After months of speculation, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, along with Bobby Portis, in a blockbuster deal. In exchange, the Bucks got Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, unprotected 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
It was an absolutely massive haul for Milwaukee, but now they have to cope with losing the face of the franchise for the past decade.
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And just like that, all eyes now turn to Jaylen Brown, who some thought could be involved in a trade for Giannis to Boston. But with the two-time MVP instead headed to South Beach, what will the Celtics do? Many insiders over the last few days have said that a Brown trade is inevitable at this point, regardless of where Giannis lands.
Here are three teams that make the most sense.
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No. 1 - Houston Rockets
The Rockets are fresh off a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Lakers, despite coming into the year as championship favorites. They've got a young core of Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. The one thing they don't have is a veteran with championship experience, other than maybe Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL.
That was supposed to be Kevin Durant, but he played in just a single game in that Lakers series, is owed $43.9 million next season, and will turn 38 years old in September. Recent reports suggest the Rockets aren't opposed to moving him either. This move would also reunite Brown with Ime Udoka, who helped unlock some of Brown's best basketball during their time together in Boston. In return, the Celtics would likely push for Durant along with another young piece like Smith or Tari Eason.
No. 2 - Los Angeles Clippers
Even after acquiring Darius Garland, the Clippers are still missing something. Kawhi Leonard is about to turn 35, the Western Conference is getting younger, and the franchise desperately needs another star who can carry the offense when Leonard inevitably misses games. Brown solves that problem immediately. At 29 years old, he would give the Clippers a legitimate two-way wing who can score 25-plus points on any given night while extending their championship window beyond the Kawhi era.
Recent reports have already linked the Clippers to Brown in trade discussions. A realistic deal would likely be centered around Garland, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and future first-round picks. Garland would give Boston a younger All-Star caliber guard to pair with Jayson Tatum, along with future draft capital to offset the loss of a Finals MVP.
No. 3 - Minnesota Timberwolves
This is the dark-horse pick. Minnesota just removed Julius Randle's $33.3 million salary and still needs another elite talent to pair with Anthony Edwards. Pairing Edwards with Jaylon Brown would give the Timberwolves the most explosive wing duo in the NBA. More importantly, Minnesota already has something rare they wouldn't have to give up: Rudy Gobert, one of the few players in the league who can actually defend Victor Wembanyama.
A potential package would probably be centered around Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, young assets, and multiple future first-round picks. Boston would gain some financial flexibility and draft capital, while Minnesota could roll out a championship core built around Edwards, Brown, Gobert, and Naz Reid. If Minnesota truly wants to convince Edwards they're all in, this is the move to make.
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