The early days of the offseason have been filled with activity as multiple blockbuster trades have shifted the league’s landscape. As exciting as this has been, things are far from being over as rumors surrounding players like Jaylen Brown continue to heat up.
In light of his fallout with the Boston Celtics‘ organization, Jaylen Brown emerges as one of the top trade targets in the league. While several teams have been named as suitors, Boston’s steep asking price has relegated many.
Among the current list of suitors, the Portland Trail Blazers have surprisingly emerged as frontrunners. However, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Blazers have excluded Deni Avdija from any trade talks involving Brown, as he wrote:
“Trail Blazers All-Star forward Deni Avdija was not on the table in trade talks for Antetokounmpo, and he remains off the table in Brown discussions as of now, league sources told HoopsHype. Portland’s other young players, such as Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, are considered available.”
From Portland’s perspective, forming a potential trade proposal for Jaylen Brown would be relatively simple. But given Brown’s superstar status and his averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season, excluding Avdija from trade negotiations could harm the Blazers’ chances.
Still, The Athletic’s Sam Amick noted a key factor that positions the Trail Blazers as favorites to land the Celtics’ superstar even while excluding Deni Avdija from trade discussions.
“The Celtics, per league sources, have been asking for up to four first-round picks; Portland is seen as the front-runner there.”
Scotto also expanded on this in his report, stating:
“Portland’s most desired draft assets are two future first-round Milwaukee Bucks swaps in 2028 and 2030. In 2029, the Blazers will also get the best and worst first-round pick between Boston, Milwaukee, and Portland. Furthermore, Portland has its own future firsts in 2031, 2032, and 2033, which can be dangled if needed. “
With a wealth of first-round picks and young talent, Portland owns enough valuable trade assets to formulate a meaningful trade package for Brown. When also factoring in the Celtics’ predicament with their superstar at this stage, accepting an offer like this would not be out of the question.
Portland Can Pivot If They Fail To Acquire Jaylen Brown
Although the Trail Blazers are in a relatively favorable position when it comes to negotiating a trade for Jaylen Brown, realistically, there is no telling how things could play out. Given how quickly conversations shift in the NBA, having a solid backup plan is always advisable. In this regard, the Portland Trail Blazers already seem to have theirs in place.
According to a report by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Trail Blazers are monitoring Aaron Gordon‘s situation with the Denver Nuggets in the event they come up short in their pursuit of Jaylen Brown. He wrote:
“Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon was considered among the contingency plans for the Heat if the franchise didn’t land Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade, league sources told HoopsHype. Similarly, the Portland Trail Blazers have expressed trade interest in Gordon should they not land Jaylen Brown, their preferred target, HoopsHype has learned.”
While Jaylen Brown undoubtedly remains the primary target for Portland this summer, Aaron Gordon is positioned as a terrific backup option. In light of Denver’s cap concerns, virtually every player not named Nikola Jokic is likely to be available in trade talks.
Last season was a particularly rough one for the Nuggets’ forward. After being limited to only 36 appearances due to recurring injuries, Gordon struggled to establish himself as a consistent contributor. Still, when available, the forward found ways to impact the game, posting 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.6 steals per game on 49.7% shooting from the field and 38.9% from three-point range.
Despite his value as a rotation piece in Denver, the Nuggets may not have the luxury to retain him this summer. Given the assets Portland is willing to give up for Jaylen Brown, Denver may see value in receiving a fraction of that, even if it means parting with Gordon.
