The Portland Trail Blazers have emerged as the NBA’s most proactive franchise in pursuit of Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown, league sources told reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
Executives contacted by the two journalists described Portland as the club “most frequently” engaged in talks for the four-time All-Star. The Blazers’ interest reportedly dates back to Damian Lillard’s first tenure with the team. After an unsuccessful attempt to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Portland also identified Anthony Davis as an alternative target, according to the same report.
While the Blazers keep close tabs on Brown’s availability, the Houston Rockets have stepped away from the race. Stein and Fischer noted Houston has not held recent discussions with Boston and is “not actively” pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old guard-forward.
The Detroit Pistons remain another potential partner for the Celtics. Previous talks between Detroit and Boston centered on a framework that would send center Jalen Duren to the Celtics, though no agreement is considered imminent.
Boston has spent much of the offseason gauging Brown’s value after unsuccessfully offering him in a package for Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics are demanding at least four first-round picks in any trade involving the former No. 3 overall selection. Team officials are said to be willing to move Brown only if the return keeps the roster in immediate championship contention alongside Jayson Tatum.
Source: Hoops Wire
