Rockets are avoiding major Jaylen Brown bullet with smart trade talks

The Rockets haven't had the best luck enticing All-NBA players to join their team, but this time they may be the ones wisely bowing out. Jaylen Brown has been on the trade market since his postseason ended, but the Celtics are reportedly asking for a whopping 4 first-round picks to move him, a high price even for his caliber. Houston has been wise to veer away from him if that steep price doesn't change.

The Rockets can't risk too much for Brown

Brown could be the final big piece needed to elevate the Rockets to contenders, but the Celtics' asking price is far too great. Consider other recent blockbuster trades around the league - Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded for a package that only included 3 first-round picks. Even if the Rockets are interested in a splashy move to take the next step, they can't just throw aways assets in an ill-advised trade.

The Rockets' upcoming draft picks also have a lot of value because they will likely be based on the Nets' standings. Houston themselves shouldn't be positioned for a high pick, but the Nets could easily wind up with top-5 selections headed to the Rockets. Trading away multiple high picks for a player with an unproven track record leading his team could be disastrous.

Brown's trade value is more questionable than Boston wants to admit

Speaking of which, Brown is coming off a successful regular season as the unquestioned leader of the Celtics offense, but the team disappointed with a first-round playoff exit. Although he personally averaged 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game while the Celtics won 56 contests, Brown isn't held in the same regard as true superstars and perhaps for good reason.

Despite Brown finishing 6th in MVP voting and securing an All-NBA Second Team selection, he still had poor impact metrics even during his career-best regular season. When Brown was on the court, the Celtics performed worse than they did without him. This isn't all Brown's fault, as the Celtics had a strong bench unit, but it adds to about a decade of impact metrics saying the same thing.

Some of Brown's alarming tendencies on the edges contribute towards this effect. For example, he's always had a high turnover rate and that spiked even more last season with the ball in his hands more. He averaged a career-high 3.6 turnovers per game, good for fifth across the league. And unlike most other high-turnover players of that magnitude, Brown didn't offset the difference with prolific playmaking.

Jaylen Brown is a great player, but he has his flaws and the Celtics are asking way too much. For now, the Rockets are avoid to stay out of his mess.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow