Before the Miami Heat landed Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade, the Celtics appeared to figure in. With a stable organization and a compatible superstar in Jayson Tatum, Boston reportedly showed interest. For the price of swingman Jaylen Brown, Boston wanted to acquire the two-time MVP.
When that potential deal fell through, speculation centered around Brown. A ten-year veteran and multiple-time All-Star, Brown, through his words, could’ve changed the dynamic of the Celtics. That said, other NBA teams also offered trades for Brown. An NBA insider details how one interaction could keep Brown in Boston.
NBA Insider Discusses the Boston Celtics Trade Demands for Jaylen Brown
After an early playoff exit, the Celtics wanted to reshuffle their metaphorical deck from a talent perspective. That includes fielding offers for their two-time All-NBA selection. One interested team is the Portland Trail Blazers, which reportedly recently inquired. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania discussed what the Celtics wanted in return for Brown.
The Boston Celtics are demanding at least FOUR 1st-round picks in any potential trade for Jaylen Brown, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/QZeZAR4lZy
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) June 26, 2026
“What’s the ask now? My understanding is, in some cases, the Celtics have asked teams for at least four first-round picks for Jaylen Brown. He’s got three years left on his contract.”
While four first-round draft picks may seem like an exorbitant amount, context exists. In 2024, the Brooklyn Nets sent Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for at least that many first-round draft picks. Granted, Bridges won a championship, yet he is not the same caliber of player Brown is. As a result, the ask does not appear high.
Meanwhile, according to Spotrac, Brown’s contract could be a hindrance. As Charania mentioned, Brown’s contract has three more years left. At the same time, he will not make less than $57 million per season.
Brown earned widespread criticism more for his comments than for anything he did on the court. For instance, after the Celtics bowed out of the playoffs early, he said it was his favorite NBA season.
Tatum missed the bulk of the year, making Boston Brown’s team and him responsible for carrying the load. Next, he continues to engage in a war of words with ESPN host/commentator Stephen A. Smith.
MORE: Pistons’ Bold Stance On $19,474,944 All-Star Revealed Amid Jaylen Brown Trade Rumors
In contrast, Brown does have some support from former Celtics players. Kendrick Perkins chastised the team for repeatedly offering Brown. He believes that the two sides cannot repair their relationship and that both would be happier if they just moved on.
Will the Celtics and their star fix the issues, or will the organization ship him off?
