The Boston Celtics are actively engaged in trade discussions surrounding All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown, with one proposed three-team deal emerging as a potential blockbuster that would send the 2024 Finals MVP to the Detroit Pistons while the Celtics land a young All-Star center and a sharpshooting wing .
The proposed trade framework would have the Celtics receiving Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren and New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, along with future first-round pick swaps. The Pistons would acquire Brown, while the Pelicans would receive multiple rotational pieces and future draft assets from Detroit .
A Rising Star in the Middle
Jalen Duren, 22, emerged as a bona fide All-Star this past season after averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while earning All-NBA Third-Team honors . The Memphis product finished 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting and represents the type of franchise-altering big man the Celtics are reportedly seeking to pair with Jayson Tatum .
However, Duren’s availability stems from contract tension. The restricted free agent and the Pistons are reportedly “nowhere near agreeing on a suitable figure,” with sources indicating Duren is “underwhelmed by Detroit’s initial offer” and is “hoping to explore sign-and-trade options when June 30 arrives” .
Detroit has long viewed Duren and Ausar Thompson as “franchise pillars alongside Cunningham,” making any potential departure significant . The sign-and-trade route has been deemed “preferable to signing an offer sheet with another team that the Pistons could, and likely would, match” .
The 3-and-D Wing Component
Trey Murphy III, 26, is coming off a career-best season averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 38% from three-point range . The Pelicans have reportedly set an asking price of multiple first-round picks for the sharpshooter, with similar demands for teammate Herbert Jones .
Interestingly, some NBA insiders suggest the Celtics might pursue Murphy without including Brown in the deal, potentially offering younger prospects, picks, and pick swaps instead .
Celtics’ Asking Price and Position
The Celtics’ willingness to move Brown stems from their failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was instead traded to the Miami Heat . Boston had offered Brown and two unprotected first-round picks for the Bucks superstar, which was ultimately rejected .
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics are seeking a massive return, with reports indicating they’ve asked some teams for at least four first-round picks for the five-time All-Star .
“Each day this week, the Boston Celtics have been actively engaged in trade conversations around Jaylen Brown with multiple interested teams,” Charania reported on “Get Up” .
Brown, 29, is coming off a career season averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, finishing sixth in MVP voting and earning All-NBA Second-Team honors. He has three years remaining on his five-year, $285.4 million supermax extension and is eligible to sign a two-year, $141.9 million extension on July 26 .
A Win-Win-Win?
Proponents argue the proposed three-team swap could benefit all parties. The Celtics would address their frontcourt needs with Duren’s rim protection and offensive production while adding one of the league’s premier 3-and-D wings in Murphy, all while reducing their luxury tax burden .
For Detroit, landing Brown would provide Cade Cunningham with an elite co-star following a playoff run that exposed the team’s need for additional star power .
The Pelicans would net their desired draft assets and controllable rotational pieces .
Additional Suitors Emerge
The Portland Trail Blazers have also reportedly expressed interest in Brown. According to Charania, Portland, which had previously shown interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball, could make a compelling offer given their draft capital and young talent. Unlike Antetokounmpo, who could leverage his contract situation to block a Portland move, Brown has three years remaining on his deal, offering the Blazers more security .
Stevens Stays Noncommittal
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has left the door open while praising Brown’s contributions.
“Jaylen Brown is a big part of us,” Stevens said Tuesday. “I’m never going to predict the future. Whether that run ends 10 years from now when he retires or before, there’s a lot to celebrate. We have a great relationship and an open relationship where we talk about everything. But I don’t want to predict the future” .
Despite the turmoil, Brown has described this past season as his “favorite year of my basketball career” . The Celtics, after a first-round playoff exit to the Philadelphia 76ers, now face critical decisions about their championship core with free agency set to open June 30 and the NBA draft approaching.
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