Rockets will gladly help Celtics solve Jaylen Brown problem

The Rockets should be in search of a bonafide primary star in his prime this summer as they look to take the next step towards becoming a title contender. Jaylen Brown could be the perfect name to fill their void, and trading him for Kevin Durant could make a lot of sense for both the Rockets and Celtics. Boston is looking for a more efficient primary scorer while Houston is looking to get younger in the superstar department.

Jaylen Brown could be the perfect Rocket

Although Brown has faced a lot of criticism for his role in the Celtics’ playoff meltdown, he still had a career season. Brown averaged 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game (all career-highs) while leading the Celtics to the 2nd seed in the East. Without his most talented teammate in Jayson Tatum for most of the season, Brown was able to shoulder more burden and prove himself as a primary option.

Swapping Durant for Brown helps the Rockets align their team’s timelines better while still keeping their young core intact. Normally, it would be hard to acquire a potential All-NBA First Team performer without giving up a blue chip prospect. But Durant can fulfill that role for a Celtics team that needs a better offensive floor.

Compared to Durant, Brown is 8 years younger and could still have some of his best seasons in front of him. He’s clearly comfortable taking and making tough shots with a limited offensive support cast, which the Rockets would ask from him. And Brown is also a competitor on defense, which fits well with Houston’s core team identity.

The Celtics could be interested in Durant

For Boston, getting Durant back adds a proven scorer who can reliably get a bucket in crunch time. He’s generally more efficient than Brown and can fit well into the Celtics’ jumper-heavy system while adding a new element. Too often, the Celtics rely on threes in clutch situations but Durant can change those looks to more surefire midrange buckets.

Even though he’s 37, Durant has shown no signs of slowing down offensively. He clicks within the Celtics’ core principles of ball movement, efficient shots and low turnovers. The Celtics also have a good defensive structure to support him.

Brown doesn't have to be the Rockets' long-term centerpiece for good, but his presence in Durant's current role would be an improvement for future sustainability in Houston. The Rockets know they are on an abnormally accelerated timeline right now with Durant, and would prefer to get off it as soon as possible. Pivoting to Jaylen Brown seems like a dream scenario, but it's one that could happen with a savvy trade.

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