The Houston Rockets may soon find themselves in a position to take advantage of a looming financial and injury crisis facing the Boston Celtics. According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets could potentially acquire Celtics star Jaylen Brown through a trade that includes Houston’s No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, talented point guard, and additional future draft assets.
Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast The Kevin O’Connor Show, the NBA insider proposed an intriguing scenario in which Houston emerges as a major player in the trade market—particularly if other teams fail to land Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is rumored to be available in some speculative trade circles. “If a team misses out on Giannis, could they pivot to Jaylen Brown—and could that team be the Houston Rockets?” O’Connor speculated. He went on to float the idea of a deal centered on reuniting Brown with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, who coached him in Boston during Udoka’s stint as Celtics head coach.
O’Connor suggested that a trade package could include VanVleet—whose current contract features a $44.9 million team option—alongside Houston’s 2025 No. 10 pick and multiple future first-round selections. If the trade is executed before July 1, the Rockets could decline VanVleet’s option, allowing Boston to avoid exceeding the NBA’s punitive second apron, a salary cap threshold that significantly restricts roster flexibility for high-spending teams. In doing so, the Celtics would gain both financial relief and a stockpile of draft picks for future roster building.
Why Jaylen Brown Is a Target
Jaylen Brown is arguably Boston’s most tradeable high-value asset amid their financial strain. With the Celtics’ payroll projected to balloon to over $500 million—including contracts, luxury tax, and penalties—they are under intense pressure to make difficult roster decisions. Complicating matters further is the recent Achilles injury suffered by Jayson Tatum, who is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season. This places an even heavier burden on Brown, who is currently under a five-year, $304 million contract.
The 29-year-old Brown has already proven himself as an elite two-way player capable of leading a championship-level team. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He was instrumental in Boston’s championship run, serving as the team’s top defender against superstars like Luka Dončić during the NBA Finals. Brown earned both the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and the NBA Finals MVP, surpassing his more heralded teammate Tatum in postseason impact.
In Houston, Brown would slot in seamlessly with head coach Ime Udoka’s system, which emphasizes physical defense, positional versatility, and mental toughness—traits Brown has consistently demonstrated. His presence would give the Rockets a true cornerstone star to lead their talented young core.
Fred VanVleet’s Flexible Future
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet’s contract situation remains a key piece of the trade puzzle. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Rockets and VanVleet recently agreed to delay the deadline for his team option decision to June 29. This strategic move gives Houston more time to explore trade options or rework VanVleet’s deal depending on how the offseason unfolds.
VanVleet, who is entering his third season with the Rockets, has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the team long term. He has stated that he’s willing to accept a more team-friendly deal if the Rockets choose to decline his $44.9 million option. Following Houston’s first-round playoff exit against the Golden State Warriors, VanVleet reaffirmed his commitment to the team’s long-term vision.
“Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this and this is where I want to be,” VanVleet told reporters. “It was never a short-term vision—it was a long-term goal. We’re on track, we’re on schedule.”
During the regular season, VanVleet contributed 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, bringing veteran leadership and a steady presence to a youthful roster. In the playoffs, he elevated his performance, averaging 18.7 points per game while shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc. His standout performances in Games 5 and 6 against the Warriors—scoring 26 and 29 points respectively—helped Houston battle back from a 3–1 series deficit and force a dramatic Game 7.
VanVleet’s combination of playoff experience, playmaking, and contract flexibility makes him a highly valuable trade piece, especially in any deal involving a star like Jaylen Brown.
What This Could Mean for Houston and Boston
If the proposed trade materializes, it would signify a massive shift in direction for both franchises. For Houston, adding Jaylen Brown would signal the end of their rebuilding phase and a bold entry into championship contention. Brown, paired with rising stars like Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr., would give the Rockets a well-rounded and competitive core.
For Boston, parting ways with Brown would be a painful but possibly necessary decision in light of their financial challenges. Acquiring a proven veteran like VanVleet, the No. 10 pick in a deep draft class, and multiple future first-round selections could soften the blow and give the Celtics long-term flexibility, especially with Tatum expected to miss the upcoming season.
The Rockets now hold a unique position of power, with cap flexibility, valuable assets, and a roster ready to take the next leap. Whether they use those assets to chase Jaylen Brown or pivot to another star remains to be seen. The NBA Draft on June 25 could be the beginning of a dramatic new chapter for Houston.
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