Danny Ainge is likely going to be confronted with a major choice this offseason if he wants to remake the Celtics' roster: Tatum or Brown?
With the .500 C's middling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff standings, a springtime run seems unlikely, especially given their lack of success against quality opponents. It's apparent the Celtics just aren't good enough, on top of their other issues, ranging from questions about leadership to Brad Stevens' grip on the locker room.
That means a roster shakeup could be in order. On "Gresh & Keefe" Friday, ESPN NBA Insider Bobby Marks said he would part with Jayson Tatum over Jaylen Brown.
"If it ever did get to that point — and I don't think we're quite there yet — when Danny gets to this offseason, he's going to have to reevaluate where this roster is, and where it's going," Marks said. "Is it all COVID-related? Or do we just throw away this year, and how do we look at it going forward?
"But if I had my choice, I would probably be more in the Jaylen Brown than Tatum (camp)."
While Tatum is enjoying a phenomenal start to his career — he's averaging a career-high 25.1 points per game this season — there have been some questions about his on-court demeanor. Most recently, Kendrick Perkins said he would like to see Tatum play with more emotion.
Brown has emerged as the more vocal presence, often speaking openly with reporters. After Wednesday's win over the Knicks, Brown admitted the team needs to do a better job of bouncing back.
The Celtics signed both Tatum and Brown to nine-figure extensions last offseason. Tatum, who inked a max deal worth $195 million over five years, has a player option in 2025.
Given Tatum's scoring abilities, it's fair to surmise the 24-year-old possesses more trade value than Brown. He could be the centerpiece of a trade for All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Celtics have also been linked to Wizards guard Bradley Beal, though conventional wisdom says Brown would be more likely to go in that exchange. Tatum and Beal grew up together in St. Louis, and remain close friends today.
Ultimately, Tatum's and Brown's futures with the Celtics might depend on where they fit best, and what they could bring back. It promises to be a fluid offseason on Causeway Street.
