Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said the organization “values” Jaylen Brown but stopped short of assuring the All-Star forward will stay with the franchise beyond this season.
Speaking to reporters after Brown’s name emerged in trade chatter involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stevens revealed he held several conversations with Brown before the rumors became public.
“With all the rumor mill and all that stuff, and his name being splashed all over the place, that’s not easy,” Stevens told journalists. “We certainly wanted to be as proactive and up-front with that as possible. I thought we had really good, candid conversations.”
The executive emphasized that those discussions will remain private, acknowledging that “there’s going to be a lot of noise out there.”
Speculation intensifies
Boston was reportedly willing to include Brown while pursuing Antetokounmpo before the two-time MVP was ultimately dealt to the Miami Heat. Since then, questions about Brown’s long-term role in Boston have only grown louder.
“Jaylen Brown is a big part of us,” Stevens said. “The one thing I want to make very clear is how valued he’s always been. He’s been amazing. He’s been an amazing teammate. Great person to be around.”
Pressed on whether Brown will still wear green next season, Stevens replied, “I’m never going to predict the future.”
Career-best numbers
The 27-year-old is coming off a career year, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Despite those figures and the front office’s public praise, Brown continues to surface in offseason trade scenarios.
Stevens conceded that persistent rumors can be difficult for players. “I’m extremely understanding of that,” he said. “There are things that are exaggerated at this time of the year and there are things that are real.”
The Celtics open training camp next month with Brown still on the roster and no firm guarantees about what might follow.
Source: Hoops Wire
