Stephen A. Smith laments ‘utterly ridiculous’ report regarding Jaylen Brown’s trade value

Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for SiriusXMBoston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown has become a major talking point this offseason.Initially, Jaylen Brown was believed to be heading to the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade package around 2x NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.However, the Bucks reportedly turned down the Boston Celtics’ trade offer.

Despite still being a member of the Celtics, many claim that Brown will soon be traded.Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesBobby Marks says Jaylen Brown is just the seventh-best player on a teamBut what is Brown’s trade value? According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP isn’t viewed as a top-name on a team.

“I had an analytics guy tell me, ‘We view [Jaylen Brown] as the seventh-best player on a team,'” Marks said without revealing his source.Now, that’s a terrible take from the unnamed ‘analytics guy’ as Brown has consistently proven himself as one of the best players in the NBA.Even during the 2025-26 NBA season, when Jayson Tatum missed the majority of the season, Brown stepped up and carried the Celtics to a playoff berth.

Stephen A. Smith comes to Jaylen Brown’s defenseNBA analyst Stephen A. Smith has had his differences with Brown over the years, but even the ESPN star couldn’t accept Brown being called the seventh-best player in the league.

“Now this is utterly ridiculous. I have no doubt that Bobby Marks was told what he said he was told (He’s incredible at what he does) — but there is no way in hell Jaylen Brown is the 7th-best player on any team in the NBA,” Smith said on X.“He may be the best 2-way player in the league.

Yes, it’s me saying this. Folks be on some b.s.

Stop It!” he added.Numbers back Brown’s case as he averaged 28.

7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game for the Celtics last season while making 71 appearances.

Read more:Surprising Western Conference team emerges with ‘aggressive’ pursuit of Celtics’ Jaylen BrownMilwaukee Bucks owner had one concern about Jaylen Brown-led package for Giannis