This is not invented: The last two seasons we’ve had behind the scenes locker room situations, both of which involved Jaylen (got into it with Kyrie last year and Smart this year). Frankly, there is a potential where Tatum gets the max extension this year and a verbal commitment for a future supermax offer. It could lead to issues with Jaylen.
In both situations, Jaylen was the one acting like the adult in the room and showing real team leadership.
But you use this to make Brown look bad. That's pretty funny.
These things never happened before Jaylen?
I like Jaylen, but I love Jayson and worry we’re not going to get to 18 before the Lakers without dealing Jaylen for an upgrade.
Allow Brown to continue to develop and you won't need an upgrade.
Also, upgrade to what? Brown will be one of the top two way players in the league for the foreseeable future. In time, he could be the best given his intelligence, work ethic, athleticism and drive to succeed.
Every time he is given down time he adds a weapon or improves on a different area of his game. During the shutdown he made himself a very good free throw shooter. During last off season he added a bunch of new wrinkles to make himself a very real #2 offensive option. You keep guys like that. Especially 23 year old guys
Brown is now on a bargain contract. He has future multiple time All-Star and multiple time All-Defense player written all over him. The only upgrade you want over Brown given all this is a Doncic, Giannis or Davis like player. In other words, you upgrade Brown by trading him for a top 3-5 player only and that ain't happening.