Roster management Q&A with Keith Smith

1. The Jaylen question: The Celtics’ stated reason for moving on from Jaylen Brown is that they didn’t believe that they could build around two players each making 35% of the Cap. Yet the end result of the trade is that the Celtics have two players each making 35% of the cap. Without using the word “optionality” can you describe the bigger picture strategic rationale behind the Jaylen Brown trade. (Note that I’m not asking you to defend or endorse the move)

Can I use the word “flexibility” instead? Please don’t make me dig out the thesaurus to go deeper than that! Being serious, flexibility is what it was really about. In the NBA’s apron era, it’s really hard to build long-term around two max players, especially two 35% of the cap max players who are moving into their 30s. You’re either going to end up over the second apron, with all the penalties and restrictions that can come with that (as we’ve already seen for the Celtics), or your roster is going to be somewhat weaker with a lot of players on rookie deals or minimum deals.

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To be clear: Trading Jaylen Brown right now didn’t really save the Celtics any money. Brown and Paul George make roughly the same amount this season, and will for the 2027-28 season too, assuming George picks up his option. It was about 2028-29 and beyond for the Celtics. When extension discussions could have started with Brown, he was likely going to ask for a 35% of the cap max, as he should have and as he earned. If the Celtics said no, or delayed the conversation, there was a chance things could have gotten ugly. With the goal to have long-term flexibility with the cap/tax/aprons, and the idea of not extending Brown at his asking price (either at 35% of the cap or at all) and that turning sideways, it was best to make the move now. You remove any drama (well, kind of. There was plenty of drama!) and you can start your long-range planning knowing your cap sheet will be a lot more flexible.

Also, I believe Brad Stevens, and the rest of the team’s leadership, when they say that they believe Paul George has a lot of good basketball in him. Jaylen Brown was immensely popular…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/roster-management-q-keith-smith-100000878.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-03 10:00:00

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