The Portland Trail Blazers have been widely rumored to be active players in this summer’s NBA trade-fest. Having ascended to the middle of the league’s hierarchy, Portland may be looking to add a bona fide star to their lineup. For most of the young offseason, the Blazers have been speculated as players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes. That appears to have cooled. But Sam Amick of The Athletic is speculating that the Blazers may not have given up on a secondary target—once presumed
to be involved in the Antetokounmpo machinations—Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics are looking to make moves of their own after falling short of championship contention the past couple years. Amick reports that suitors could be in line for Boston players, especially Brown:
Speaking of Plan Bs, league sources say the Portland Trail Blazers would have serious interest in Brown if the Celtics made him available. The Blazers have been among the suitors for Antetokounmpo since the February trade deadline but appear to be on the outside looking in at the moment. Also, league sources say the Minnesota Timberwolves — whose pursuit of Antetokounmpo also appears to have cooled — have strong interest in the Celtics’ Derrick White.
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the Celtics over 71 games played last season. He’s 29 years old with three years remaining on his contract, ranging from $57-65 million per year.
