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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Boston Celtics weren't able to complete the journey of repeating as NBA champions, losing in the second round of the playoffs to the New York Knicks. Due to this, the Celtics will now enter the offseason with a lot of question marks around the roster.
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Many people in NBA circles believe that Boston could look to move a few crucial pieces this summer, in the hope of managing any salary issues. The Celtics have built themselves on strong depth across the roster, but this summer could see them break that apart.
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Almost everyone on the Celtics roster could be a casualty of this fact, including star forward Jaylen Brown. Brown makes a lot of money, and the Celtics could look to reset everything by moving him.
In a new trade idea from longtime NBA personality Bill Simmons, Boston does move Brown. In return, they land a former NBA champion and a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Simmons discussed this on his latest podcast. Here is what the deal would look like with the Houston Rockets:
Boston Celtics receive: Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr, Tari Eason, and No. 10 pick in 2025 NBA Draft.
Houston Rockets receive: Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday
Moving off both Brown and Holiday would certainly change the look of the team, but the Celtics would save some money. Holiday has been a name that many expect Boston to look at moving due to his high salary.
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But losing Brown would be a tough sell. Brown has been one of the better players for the Celtics since he was drafted, and the fans likely wouldn't want to see him go.
No player in this deal would replace Brown. The pairing of Brown and Jayson Tatum has worked well, and it would likely take more to get Boston to move him.
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VanVleet will be entering the final year of his deal and will make $44.8 million this season. The former NBA champion guard was solid for the Rockets this season, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Boston could heavily reset the salary cap for themselves in this deal, while landing a top pick in the upcoming draft. The Celtics have to move some pieces around if they want to survive, and a deal like this could be the move to make.
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