The Boston Celtics have significantly reduced their payroll and luxury tax obligations while getting under the second apron with their trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis on consecutive days before the draft. Boston reportedly would prefer to keep Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, but they also appear willing to listen to offers.
“The Celtics prefer not to trade Jaylen Brown and Derrick White,” said Shams Charania on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “But the offers they’re getting right now and conversations are going to be had. Does it reach the value? That’s the question. You’re looking at a lot of potential movement around the Celtics.”
Brown is entering Year 2 of his five-year, $304 million supermax contract extension signed during the 2023 offseason. Brown will earn $53.1 million next season after averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season. Brown underwent offseason meniscus surgery after the conclusion of their playoff run.
“There are multiple [teams] that have significant interest in Jaylen Brown,” said Charania. “The contract is steep I understand it. But there are teams, especially in today’s NBA, especially in the Eastern Conference, and we’re seeing an arms race in the Western Conference.”
Charania added more reporting during a Sports Center appearance with Scott Van Pelt following the Porzingis trade.
“Their phone lines are ringing in Boston,” said Charania. “My understanding is the Celtics are getting offers and calls on both Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. The Celtics have high price thresholds for both players… I’m sure they’re getting massive offers. Their preference is to keep both players.”
Charania added that Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons could also be moved by the Celtics, but that they’re listening on Brown and White.
“Will a team match that price threshold the Celtics, I’m told, have set around the league for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to be able to get them? They are listening, but will a team get there?”