The Boston Celtics recently attempted to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo by offering Jaylen Brown and two unprotected first-round draft picks. Despite their efforts, the Milwaukee Bucks chose to send Antetokounmpo to Miami. This decision left the Celtics still searching for potential trades for their 2024 Finals MVP.

Jaylen Brown’s value has increased since the initial trade attempt. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Celtics are now seeking at least four first-round picks in exchange for Brown. At 29 years old, Brown is coming off an impressive season. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, earning second-team All-NBA recognition.

Several teams, including the Nuggets, Clippers, Blazers, and Hornets, have shown interest in Brown. However, no agreement has been reached. ESPN’s Vince Goodwill criticized the Celtics’ handling of the situation during Tuesday’s “Get Up” broadcast. He stated, “The Celtics have bungled this situation from the very start.” Goodwill argued that Boston had not fully leveraged their resources when trading Brown for Antetokounmpo.

If you have made a decision that you are going to trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo, you better put every available resource in there because you’re risking something like this happening. You have a player who’s out there. The league doesn’t want him to the degree that you feel like you’re getting commensurate value. And it looks embarrassing for the player who did not ask to be traded.

Goodwill noted that typically, players are put on the trading block if they express dissatisfaction or refuse to re-sign. This has not been the case with Brown. “If they’re tired of Jaylen Brown, that’s fine. That’s their business. But leaving him out there like this, when he’s put so much equity into this team, into this franchise, is disrespectful and embarrassing,” Goodwill added.

Brown’s situation differs from other trade scenarios, such as Kawhi Leonard’s potential move from Los Angeles to Toronto. Leonard’s situation revolves around stalled contract talks, while Brown has not requested a trade nor has he boycotted the team. Brown delivered a standout season, leading Boston to 56 wins and securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite these accomplishments, he is still being traded.

Typically, when a team decides to trade a key player of Brown’s caliber, it is due to dissatisfaction or unresolved financial disputes with the front office. Brown, however, has not demanded a trade. Two years ago, he played a crucial role in bringing an NBA title to Boston.

At this point, it seems improbable that Brown will remain with the Celtics. The main question now is whether Boston can find a team willing to meet their demand for four first-round picks, considering their current lack of leverage.