Report: Celtics unwilling to trade Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown to move up in draft

The Boston Celtics are always a threat to make a big move before or during the NBA Draft, and they are reportedly interested in moving into the top five to add to a young core that may be the best in the league. The problem is, however, that they may not be able to make such a move without giving up one of their up-and-coming stars.

Sam Amick of USA Today said Thursday that he expects “fireworks” before the draft with Boston looking to move up, but he notes that any trade will be difficult to facilitate without Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.

As NBA draft day begins, a general prediction: Fireworks to come. Boston (No. 27) is still trying to move up into top 5, but will have a hard time so long as they continue keeping Brown or Tatum off the table. Clippers (Nos. 12/13) are itchy. Milwaukee (17) wants more picks.

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 21, 2018

The Celtics may be willing to trade Brown in the right deal, but Tatum is about as close to untouchable as it gets. He proved in the absence of Kyrie Irving during the playoffs that he has the potential to be a franchise player and a legitimate star.

If the Celtics were to trade Brown, it would probably be for one specific player. It seems unlikely that team president Danny Ainge would give up proven young NBA talent just to draft a player like Mo Bamba or Luka Doncic.