The Boston Celtics are setting an enormous asking price for Jaylen Brown as trade speculation continues to intensify following their unsuccessful pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that Boston has informed some teams it wants at least four first-round picks as the foundation of any deal involving Brown.
“Let’s go from here. We know they tried to get Giannis, but what’s the asking price now? My understanding is that, 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 supermax contract. So where does that put his value? If this is a Boston team that has been contending in the Eastern Conference, and their asking price for some teams is a package of players and picks, how have they reimagined this roster moving forward? How does it affect their finances? How does it affect their viability as a contender in the Eastern Conference?”
“But I do think, as of right now, time will tell which side brings the urgency to this situation this offseason.”
The report comes only days after Boston reportedly offered Brown and two unprotected first-round picks in an attempt to acquire Giannis. Milwaukee ultimately chose Miami’s package, leaving the Celtics to evaluate what comes next.
Brown’s value has arguably never been higher. The 29-year-old is coming off the best regular season of his career, averaging 28.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while cementing himself as one of the NBA’s elite two-way wings. He still has three years remaining on his supermax contract, giving any acquiring team long-term security rather than a short-term rental.
That explains why Boston is asking for such a massive return.
Four first-round picks alone may not even be enough. Shams indicated that the Celtics have also discussed packages involving players alongside draft compensation as they attempt to remain competitive around Jayson Tatum while also reshaping their financial outlook.
Several teams have already been linked to Brown if Boston decides to move him.
The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as one of the most aggressive potential suitors, with reports suggesting they could outbid both the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. Charlotte possesses a collection of young talent and future draft capital that could allow it to assemble one of the league’s strongest offers.
Houston and Atlanta continue to be viewed as major players as well, with reports indicating a seven-team market has developed around Brown following Boston’s failed Giannis pursuit.
Other blockbuster scenarios have also surfaced across league circles. One proposal involves a potential Jaylen Brown-Evan Mobley swap with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while another examines what Charlotte’s strongest trade package could realistically look like if negotiations become serious.
Despite the growing speculation, Celtics president Brad Stevens has maintained that communication with Brown remains strong. Stevens recently addressed Brown’s future after the failed Giannis pursuit, emphasizing the respect between both sides while stopping short of guaranteeing Brown would remain in Boston.
Brown himself has never publicly requested a trade. Still, the landscape has changed.
Once Brown became available in the Giannis discussions, rival teams immediately began calling. Boston appears willing to listen, but only if another franchise meets what is shaping up to be one of the steepest asking prices of the entire offseason.
Whether any team is prepared to surrender four first-round picks plus additional assets remains to be seen. Until then, Jaylen Brown’s future is likely to remain one of the NBA’s biggest offseason storylines.
