Celtics would need 'Durant-like' offer to trade three-time All-Star

Jaylen Brown signed a $304 million supermax contract last summer. That deal will go into effect at the end of the current season. Brown is Boston's second star behind Jayson Tatum. While the Celtics currently boast the most talented team in the NBA and are viewed as a championship contender, their roster projects to continue rising in cost.

Tatum is due a supermax deal, which he will likely sign this summer. Jrue Holiday's contract will need to be resolved within the next year. Derrick White will also need to negotiate new terms. Given Brown's costly deal and the fact he's not the best player on the team, it's logical to expect him to be a candidate for trade in the coming years.

According to a Western Conference executive who spoke with The Ringer's Howard Beck, any potential deal for Brown would likely be a "Durant-like" move. 

“Jaylen would set the record for the biggest return,” The executive told Beck. “It should be a Durant-type deal”—meaning multiple first-round picks and swaps, plus high-level rotation players; Brown might not have Durant’s résumé, but he’s also eight years younger."

Brown has improved his game year-on-year since entering the league. He is emerging as one of the best slashers in the league. His mid-range game has provided him with a counter against stern defenses. He's also playing at an All-NBA level on defense this season. If or when the Celtics decide to part with Brown, he will be a hot commodity around the league.

Of course, if the Celtics are forced into moving on from the Georgia native, they would want to remain competitive. The move would be based on keeping Holiday and White while slashing their luxury bill by moving Brown. There would need to be a talented player heading to Boston in return. 

If the Celtics win a championship or two within the next couple of seasons, Brown's future could quickly become a discussion point. Once the current roster has some rings, it may be time to rebuild around Tatum with a younger core. Or re-tool the aging roster to continue giving Tatum opportunities to win. 

That's where Brown's contract would come in. He would have even more value as a championship-winning forward who's ready to become the primary option on a new team. 

Right now, Brown's future remains in Boston. However, it's widely accepted that, eventually, Brad Stevens may need to move on from the All-Star wing. Celtics fans will be hoping that day doesn't come for a long time.