The Celtics are once again making waves in the NBA rumor mill, with Jaylen Brown at the heart of the discussion. Despite ongoing speculation among rival executives that Brown might be on the move, insider Brian Robb from MassLive suggests a deal with the Denver Nuggets is "highly unlikely."
The sticking point? Denver's lack of enticing draft capital to sway Boston.
Boston's front office is reportedly on the hunt for some frontcourt reinforcement. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Celtics have their eyes on Nuggets forwards Cameron Johnson and Aaron Gordon. Robb notes that Boston has kept tabs on Gordon in the past, but Jamal Murray, with his hefty contract, seems out of reach for the Celtics.
Meanwhile, Toronto is still in the mix regarding Brown, but Scottie Barnes remains a non-negotiable piece for the Raptors, as per Robb's insights.
Turning our attention to the Nuggets, Cameron Johnson's future in Denver is looking uncertain. Scotto points out that several teams, including the Celtics, Lakers, Heat, Clippers, and Magic, are showing interest in the seasoned forward.
Bennett Durando from The Denver Post echoes this sentiment, hinting at a potential move for Johnson in the coming days. If Denver decides to trade Johnson, it would signal yet another significant shift in the Nuggets' strategy as they continue to build around their star, Nikola Jokic.
Over in Portland, the Trail Blazers are keeping their options open. While Jaylen Brown remains their primary target, Aaron Gordon is emerging as a solid Plan B.
Scotto indicates that if a blockbuster deal with Boston for Brown falls through, Portland would pivot to Gordon. Any trade package for Brown would likely feature Jerami Grant, along with either Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe, plus some draft picks.
However, players like Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan are reportedly tough for Portland to part with.
Finally, in Milwaukee, Tyler Herro's recent acquisition hasn't quelled the trade buzz entirely. Before joining the Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster, Scotto reports that the Lakers considered a package involving Austin Reaves, and the Nets also inquired with Miami about a possible deal. Now that Herro is with the Bucks, other teams are keeping a close eye on Milwaukee's next move, curious if they'll hold onto Herro or use him as a trade asset down the line.
These developments keep the NBA offseason as thrilling as ever, with teams maneuvering and strategizing for a shot at the championship.
In Other News...
Blazers Just Applied New Pressure In Jaylen Brown Talks
The Jaylen Brown trade chatter has taken another turn, and it may be narrowing the field more than it is opening it. Several teams that had been connected to the Celtics wing, including the Clippers, Rockets, Pelicans, Hawks and Trail Blazers, are now reportedly out of the chase, which only sharpens the focus on who is still willing to keep pressing if Boston ever seriously entertains offers.
Portlands situation is the one worth watching here, because the Blazers recently brought back Robert Williams III and are said to be standing pat on other parts of the roster for now. Even with the noise around Brown, there is still a sense that the Blazers are keeping their options open and leaving room for more movement later, which means this story may be less about a finished pursuit than about how long the pressure around it keeps building. [Read more 🡒]
NBA Bombshell Just Put An Unthinkable Star In Boston's Orbit
LeBron James is headed into an offseason unlike any other after informing the Lakers he will play elsewhere next season, which instantly turns him into the biggest name on the free-agent board. With interest already surfacing from places like Golden State and a possible Cleveland return drawing attention, the ripple effect has reached Boston, where the Celtics suddenly find themselves mentioned in a conversation few would have imagined even a week ago.
The fit is at least easy to understand: Boston could put the full midlevel exception on the table, and that kind of financial flexibility is a real hook for a contender chasing one more elite piece. Add in the chance to slot James alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown without asking him to carry the entire offense, and the idea gains a little more traction, even if the broader picture still hinges on how far he wants to chase legacy in his next move. [Read more 🡒]
Jaylen Browns Father Just Took Celtics Frustration Public
Marselles Brown stepped into the Celtics postmortem chatter this week and made clear he was not interested in letting the debate around his son stay confined to basketball. During an appearance on Sway In The Morning, he publicly defended Jaylen Brown from criticism that had picked up steam around ESPN and other media voices after Bostons playoff exit, pushing back on the idea that the conversation was still about one rough series or a few pointed comments.
The noise has followed Brown into an offseason already thick with questions about his place in Boston, even after a career-best year that only sharpened the gap between his production and the scrutiny around him. His father said the attacks have gone beyond the game itself, which is where the tension now sits for the Celtics: a star wing who keeps delivering on the floor, and a discourse around him that keeps getting louder for reasons the team would rather leave alone. [Read more 🡒]