In the weeks leading up to the 2026 NBA Draft, Boston has shown a willingness to discuss Brown in trade talks with other teams. Before he was traded to the Miami Heat, the Celtics reportedly made a strong push to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, offering Brown along with future draft assets. Rival executives believed the Celtics would consider moving Brown only if they could land a superstar who would immediately elevate their championship outlook alongside Jayson Tatum, such as Antetokounmpo.
With Antetokounmpo now with the Bucks (traded to Miami), and with other players of similar magnitude not currently on the market, front-office personnel speculate that Brown could remain with Boston this summer. Nonetheless, Stevens and the Celtics’ front office continue to listen to inquiries from teams expressing interest in Brown, and the team has not ruled out a deal this offseason. Trade conversations involving Brown are ongoing, according to ESPN.
Teams that have shown interest include the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans, though the extent of these discussions and what assets might be offered remain unclear. Boston has long shown interest in Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, who had been central to trade talks across the league as the Pelicans pursued a lottery pick.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were another club that discussed Brown’s availability with the Celtics before finalizing a trade for LaMelo Ball with the Charlotte Hornets, as reported by The Athletic.
Following the first round of the draft, Stevens addressed the trade rumors, emphasizing that Brown remains a valued part of the organization. “Jaylen Brown’s a big part of us,” Stevens stated. He noted that the Celtics have consistently built around their core and that while the future is uncertain, Brown has been a standout teammate and person. Stevens added that conversations between the club and Brown and his representatives have been open and ongoing, without revealing specific details of private discussions.
Earlier this offseason, Brown indicated on a public stream that, if decisions were solely his, he would prefer to play in Boston for the next decade. Whether Brown will continue with the Celtics or be moved this offseason remains one of the major questions facing the franchise.
During the 2025-26 season, Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, finishing sixth in MVP voting and earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team for the second time. At 29, Brown is entering the third year of his 285 million-dollar supermax contract, with a $57.1 million salary for the 2026-27 season. He will be eligible to receive a two-year, $142 million extension from the Celtics starting July 26.
Expect ongoing discussions about Brown’s future to extend beyond the start of free agency on June 30 and into NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, which begins July 9. The situation remains a focal point of Celtics’ offseason maneuvering as they balance building around their core with possible moves to enhance their title window.
