While the likelihood of Jaylen Brown returning home to the Atlanta Hawks this offseason appears to be low, the Boston Celtics are actively shopping him - to the point where they're running out of leverage.
Brown hasn't requested out, so there's still a slim chance he returns to Boston next season as if nothing happened. The more realistic scenario, however, is that he's moved before opening night.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Celtics have been active in trade discussions regarding Brown with "8-10 teams," and there's legitimate reason to believe the Hawks are one of the potential suitors.
Acquiring Brown for less than initially expected would be the only route
The biggest thing that's likely limited Atlanta's interest in a homecoming is the price it would take to bring him in. The original expectation was that if a deal wasn't going to take place as part of an expanded Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, it was going to require matching salary, quality young players and several future unprotected draft picks.
While that certainly still could be the case, the longer these talks continue, the less leverage Boston will have. It could realistically get to a point where the relationship is unrepairable, meaning they might end up having to settle for a lesser offer from the most interested suitor.
The Hawks, with most of their young, exciting core together, would make sense as a destination if all they would have to give up is expiring money, one young player and limited draft capital.
Now with several expiring contracts on the books for the 2026-27 season, it's not ridiculous to suggest that they could use them in a package for a star-caliber player. Brown is certainly a player to acquire with hopes of reaching that next level, and now it's just a matter of what exactly Atlanta's true mentality for this summer is.
The Hawks aren't just one move away, so they'll tread lightly here
Onsi Saleh hasn't been shy in letting the fans and media know that they're not going to instantly become a championship contender with one bold move. On the flip side, though, the bulk of their roster is only going to get more and more expensive.
Capitalizing on their youth and current price in going star-hunting wouldn't be the worst decision possible. Many teams in the Eastern Conference have begun getting aggressive in the market, as well, further justifying a potential move for Brown.
Jaylen Brown landing in Atlanta is unrealistic, but for the right price, they should at least explore it.
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