Austin Ainge, the Utah Jazz’s president of basketball operations, recently addressed speculation linking his team to a trade for a $304 million Boston Celtics star following the 2025 NBA Draft, where the Jazz selected Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick.
After going 17-65 last season, NBA insider Brett Siegel speculated that the Jazz were making an “aggressive” push for the Boston star, who is currently being linked to multiple teams. However, according to Ainge, this turned out to be false.
Austin Ainge Denies Jazz Are Chasing Celtic Wing
Ainge recently shared an update on the speculation linking his team to a trade for Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown following the 2025 NBA Draft, where the Jazz landed Rutgers guard Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick.
Austin Ainge says there have not been any discussions with Boston over Jaylen Brown.
“I don’t like to confirm or deny rumors … but I will this time.”
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) June 26, 2025
According to the Utah CEO, despite the rumors linking Brown to his team, Ainge revealed there have been no talks between the Jazz and the Celtics to acquire the four-time All-Star.
“I don’t like to confirm or deny rumors … but I will this time,” Ainge told Utah Jazz beat writer Ryan Miller following the draft.
Brown is set to make $53.1 million next season. The All-Star averaged 22.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season after recently undergoing right knee surgery. The four-time All-Star reportedly has significant “interest” from teams, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
“My understanding is the Celtics are getting offers and calls on both Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. The Celtics have high-priced thresholds on both players. We know how great Brown and White are. I’m sure they’re getting massive offers,” Charania said.
.@stephenasmith doesn’t think the Celtics should trade Jaylen Brown.
“Find out what he is and what he’s made of. Let him show you. I think Jaylen Brown is looking forward to that challenge.” pic.twitter.com/xICzh5EGpp
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 25, 2025
Elsewhere, Ainge and the Jazz strengthened their roster in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Rutgers guard Ace Bailey with the fifth pick. Bailey averaged 17.6 points per game last season in the Big Ten.
“Two weeks ago, we sat down and looked at our picks and said, ‘What would be the best case scenario?’ And these were the two guys we really wanted,” Ainge said, referring to Bailey and Florida star and NCAA Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr.
A first-team All-American, Clayton helped Florida to a 36-4 record and its third national title in school history. Florida went 60-16 overall during Clayton’s two seasons. The Jazz drafted Clayton after trading into his pick with the Washington Wizards.
Despite playing down the rumors, with the Jazz and Ainge coming off one of the worst seasons in recent history, it is expected they will be busy in free agency as they look to build a contender led by Bailey.
