Fisher Report: Pelicans Among Teams Monitoring Jaylen Brown’s Availability
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The New Orleans Pelicans have surfaced as a club that could pursue Boston Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown, according to NBA reporter Jake Fischer during a Bleacher Report live stream. Multiple executives told Fischer the Pelicans are evaluating the All-NBA Second Team guard as a possible trade target.
Celtics officials have not signaled any intent to move Brown this summer, but his salary is slated to climb to $57 million in 2026/27, creating a high bar for matching salaries. Any New Orleans proposal would likely have to begin with one of Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray, or Trey Murphy III. League observers believe Murphy, a 6-foot-9 three-and-D wing, would be the most attractive asset to Boston or to other clubs in a potential multi-team framework.
Fischer added that the San Antonio Spurs were among the teams most intrigued by Murphy over the past two seasons. However, after reaching the NBA Finals this spring, San Antonio is considered less inclined to overhaul its roster.
Additional notes from Fischer’s broadcast
Kyrie Irving: Dallas’ front office is eager to pair top draft pick Cooper Flagg with a healthy Irving next season. Even so, Fischer said the star guard may not be on the Mavericks’ roster when the 2026/27 campaign begins, as several teams are expected to explore his availability. Irving missed all of 2025/26 while rehabbing a torn ACL but is projected to be ready for opening night.
Philadelphia outlook: While Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe are viewed as long-term cornerstones, Fischer reported that the 76ers intend to retain both Joel Embiid and Paul George. Moving either veteran would be difficult because each holds a multiyear maximum-salary contract.
First-round picks: Executives told Fischer they anticipate seeing more favorable protections attached to traded first-round selections. Teams accumulating draft capital may use such terms to guard against the greater variance introduced by the league’s revised lottery format.
Source: Hoops Rumors
