NBA Trade Buzz: Celtics Consider Jaylen Brown in Pursuit of Giannis, LaVine Expected to Stay With Kings, Bulls Prepare for Cap Decisions
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Boston Celtics
Boston continues to monitor Milwaukee’s stance on Giannis Antetokounmpo and is viewed as one of the few clubs capable of matching — or topping — Miami’s reported offer. League insider Jake Fischer told The Stein Line that the Celtics have grown impatient with the wait for clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future. Any Boston proposal would almost certainly be built around All-NBA guard Jaylen Brown, though it remains unclear whether team leadership is prepared to take that step. Fischer added that speculation about using a third team to reroute Brown appears premature, while ESPN’s Marc Spears reported the 27-year-old would not be enthusiastic about relocating to Milwaukee.
Sacramento Kings
Guard Zach LaVine is expected to exercise his $49 million player option for the 2025-26 season, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The 29-year-old has no intention of declining the option merely to enter free agency. The only alternative that has been explored is a sign-and-trade in which LaVine would opt out and immediately sign elsewhere, but Amick noted that scenario has generated little momentum. Barring an unexpected development, Sacramento is preparing to have LaVine on the roster under his current deal next year.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago is approaching a pivotal offseason with a new front office, an overhauled coaching staff and the No. 4 overall pick in next week’s draft. Cap analyst Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron outlined a path that could give the Bulls meaningful salary-cap space if they choose to create it. How the club deploys that flexibility remains to be seen as management looks to construct a roster around young pieces such as Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue. The June draft is expected to offer the first glimpse of the organization’s intended direction.
Source: Hoops Wire
