Hawks aim to target Celtics star Brown: Champion history and good offense and defense, returning home may become a trade promoter

According to relevant media reports, Celtics star Jaylen Brown has become the Hawks' ambitious trading target for the offseason.

The Celtics need to trade this offseason to avoid having the highest NBA paid roster next season. Bleacher Report reporter Grant Hughes wrote: "Brown will bring an experienced champion player to the Hawks and an All-Star No. 2 scorer next to Trae Young, who can sometimes complete elite defense against the wingers. If the return home factor is attractive to you, I would like to remind you that Brown is also a Georgia native."

This season, Brown played 63 games for the Celtics, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, shooting 46.3% from the field, 32.4% from three-pointers and 76.4% from free throws.

Boston lost to the Knicks 2-4 in the division semifinals this season after defeating the Mavericks 4-1 last year to win the championship. Brown averaged 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 11 games against the Orlando Magic and the Knicks in the 2025 playoffs. The Hawks have not made the playoffs since 2023 and they are desperate to add another dynamic player to Young, and Brown clearly meets that requirement.