Rafael Devers Trade Unleashes Frenzied Speculation: Red Sox’s Blockbuster Move Casts Intense Spotlight on Jaylen Brown’s Celtics Future—Boston Fans Gripped by Uncertainty as Franchise Icons Face Crossroads, Fueling Wild Rumors and High-Stakes Drama Across City’s Sports Landscape

The Red Sox just shockingly moved an All-Star in Rafael Devers, and now the Celtics must decide what to do with their All-Star, Jaylen Brown.

When Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown first arrived in Beantown in 2016, Boston sports were in full bloom. The New England Patriots were still thriving under the dynastic duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the Boston Red Sox were building towards their best season in franchise history, and the Boston Bruins were about to start an eight-year streak of making the playoffs. In 2025, Boston sports are on the decline. And in the wake of the Red Sox’s shocking trade of Rafael Devers, Brown is the only athlete left standing to serve as the current ambassador of Boston sports.

Although Devers wasn’t promoted to the Red Sox until 2017, he signed with the organization way back in 2013. The three-time All-Star was a part of their last World Series in 2018 and was expected to be the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. Instead, he was stunningly dealt to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday for a lackluster return, leaving Boston with one less fan-favorite.

Why Boston needs Jaylen Brown more than ever

Following this massive move — which sent shockwaves through the Boston sports fanbase — Brown is now the second-longest tenured athlete of Boston’s four major sports teams. Only Bruins star David Pastrnak has been in town longer.

While “Pasta” would normally be expected to fill in as the torchbearer for Boston sports due to his seniority, the B’s are beginning a rebuild and are no longer contending for the Stanley Cup every season like in years prior. Regardless, Celtics star Jayson Tatum would likely supersede him with his impressive resume; however, he’s rehabbing a ruptured Achilles for at least several months and can’t truly take over as the face of Boston sports until he returns.

With no Devers and the Bruins and Patriots fresh off dismal campaigns, it’s up to Brown and the C’s to uplift “Titletown.” The reigning NBA Finals MVP even said so in May after Tatum went down and the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

“I know Boston, it looks gloomy right now,” Brown admitted. “Obviously, with [Tatum] being out and us kind of ending the year, but there’s a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, so looking forward to what’s next.”