During his time as president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens has made numerous impactful team decisions. However, one trade that nearly materialized involved Knicks star Jalen Brunson. This revelation came from Bill Chisholm, the new Boston Celtics owner, while speaking with the Boston Globe.
Celtics’ Near-Miss with Jalen Brunson
Before joining the New York Knicks, Brunson played for the Dallas Mavericks for the first four seasons of his NBA career. Brad Stevens had considered acquiring Jalen Brunson when he was still with Dallas, prior to the summer of 2022. Brunson transitioned from a backup role to a starting position during the 2021-2022 season, demonstrating his potential.
In July 2022, Brunson signed a four-year deal with the Knicks for $104 million. His performance since joining New York has led him to be selected for two All-Star teams and named to the All-NBA Second Team.
Impact of the Failed Trade
Although the Celtics missed out on Brunson, they quickly pivoted. They acquired guard Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs during the 2022 trade deadline. In exchange, the Celtics sent Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, and draft assets, which included a 2022 first-round pick and a 2028 pick swap that is top-1 protected.
- Derrick White has contributed significantly to the team’s success over the past three seasons.
- The trade sparked a significant midseason turnaround for the Celtics, leading to an appearance in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Looking Forward
Stevens’s capacity to evaluate talent will be crucial as the Celtics aim to reshape the team. Anticipation grows around the return of star player Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. As Stevens navigates the trade landscape, his previous experiences, including the near-miss with Jalen Brunson, will undoubtedly influence his future decisions.
