4 dream trades to get the Trail Blazers a second star this offseason

ByJacob Dazzeo|
Mar 20, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (R) and guard James Harden (L) before action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (R) and guard James Harden (L) before action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Photo by: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Photo by: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Trade No. 2: Acquire Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown is not quite the star that Embiid and Durant are, but he’s a two-time All-Star likely on the bubble of being chosen for an All-NBA team this season. He’ll be valued as such in any trade the Boston Celtics consider for him.

Boston Celtics LogoBoston Celtics
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Anfernee Simons
Shaedon Sharpe
2024 first-round pick
2025 first-round pick swap, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick swap
Portland Trail Blazers LogoPortland Trail Blazers
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Jaylen Brown

Brown’s recent quote concerning his future with the team via The Ringer has caused a lot of trade speculation.

"We’ll see how they feel about me over time and I feel about them over time. Hopefully, whatever it is, it makes sense. But I will stay where I’m wanted. I will stay where I’m needed and treated correct."

While it’s unlikely the Celtics want to break up The Jays – Brown and Jayson Tatum – Brown could force their hand entering the last year of his current deal.

Brown would be both “needed and treated correct” in Portland as one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. His 27 points, 7 rebounds, 49.4 percent shooting, and perennial All-NBA level defense would be a welcome addition at guard or forward.

The Celtics would likely want close to an Embiid-level haul for Brown, and the Blazers could do it. It’s unlikely they could avoid trading both Simons and Sharpe to get Brown.

Potential lineup following this trade: Damian Lillard, Jaylen Brown, Matisse Thybulle/Cam Reddish, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic