Before finalizing a deal to acquire LaMelo Ball from Charlotte, the Timberwolves had discussions with the Celtics regarding a potential Jaylen Brown trade, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic (via Twitter). O’Connor notes that Ball was Minnesota’s primary choice, while Krawczynski indicates that the price for the point guard was likely more manageable than what would have been required to land Brown.
Even with Boston continuing to field trade calls involving Brown, the star wing has not requested a move, per league sources close to the situation speaking with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Siegel adds that several rival front offices are doubtful the Celtics will ultimately follow through on a Brown trade this offseason, despite their willingness to hear out proposals.
Houston and New Orleans are among the clubs that have engaged Boston in talks, Siegel also reports, mentioning that the Celtics are one of multiple teams showing interest in Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III.
Regarding Ball, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk reports that Portland was one of the franchises chasing the star point guard prior to Charlotte finalizing a deal to ship him to Minnesota.
Additional trade buzz from across the league:
During an appearance on 850 ESPN Cleveland (via Twitter video), Brian Windhorst of ESPN said the Lakers would be very open to exploring a sign-and-trade framework involving LeBron James headed to Cleveland and center Jarrett Allen going to Los Angeles (hat tip to RealGM). Though this structure previously floated by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report would allow James to return to the Cavaliers on a contract significantly above the minimum, numerous complications exist.
Cleveland would become hard-capped at the first apron by acquiring a sign-and-trade player, necessitating substantial outgoing salary. It’s also uncertain whether the Cavs would be willing to part with Allen for a 41-year-old James, or if LeBron himself has any interest in a Cleveland reunion.
In a separate ESPN Radio segment on the Unsportsmanlike show (Twitter video), Windhorst described Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant as “flagrantly available,” but pointed out that the additional year remaining on his contract beyond 2026/27 has notably suppressed his trade appeal. “They are highly motivated to move him, but the two years left on the deal make it really tough,” Windhorst said. “I don’t think a team is going to offer value I think they’ll expect to receive value for taking on that risk. I’m not sure how it plays out, but I just can’t envision him back with the Grizzlies.”
The Pistons showed legitimate interest in pursuing Austin Reaves, which gave him the leverage to secure a richer offer from the Lakers whose initial proposal was thought to be around $30MM per year, Windhorst said Thursday morning on First Take (YouTube link; hat tip to RealGM). With Reaves now off the market, Detroit continues to express trade interest in Tyler Herro, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Twitter link). Herro is being moved from Miami to Milwaukee in the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, and it remains unclear whether the Bucks will retain him or reroute him elsewhere.
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