The Boston Celtics are currently building a future NBA Champion. Why not give Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown the opportunity to make it happen?

 

Late last night, NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported from ESPN sources,

“As Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant’s trade request approaches its fourth week, the Boston Celtics have emerged among teams engaged in talks on a possible deal.” 

The possible trade is focused on a deal with Durant traded for Brown with three unprotected first-round picks.

Say it isn’t so! The culture we live in seems to have a difficult time waiting. Lest we forget, Michael Jordan was 28 years old when he won his first NBA championship. Subsequently, LeBron James one-upped his Airness by one year at the age of 27. Jayson Tatum will not be turning 25 until March 2024, and Jaylen Brown will be turning 26 in October. 

It would be an utter shame for Boston to give up on their own homegrown players. Would a duo of Tatum and Durant lead to a possible championship? Sure, the odds may go up in the short term. 

Any team Kevin Durant is on will certainly be a title contender. However, Boston should exercise restraint and look at the bigger picture. As Tatum and Brown develop into their primes, they have the potential for a dynasty!

What made the Golden State Warriors championship this year so special is that their big three of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were originally drafted by them. When they acquired Durant in 2016, they did not have to trade any of their core pieces. Even when Durant left the Warriors, they were able to win another championship. 

Boston, I implore you to step back and reconsider trading Brown. He was fantastic in the Finals this spring! You wisely made two excellent acquisitions in Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari. Tatum had his hiccups in the finals, but he’s so young still. Give the benefit of the doubt to your two All-Stars and allow them the grace to grow even in defeat.

Even if Durant comes to the Celtics, how long will he stay? We already know winning two championships with the Warriors wasn’t enough to keep him there. I hope for the Celtics’ sake they consider how sweet multiple future championships could be if they keep their core. Durant is probably a top-ten player of all time, but the uncertainty of keeping him is not worth the risk.