NBA Trade Buzz: Celtics’ Interest in Giannis Could Put Jaylen Brown in Play; Trey Murphy III Draws Calls; Mavericks Listening on Veterans
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The NBA’s off-season rumor mill continues to spin, with multiple high-profile names surfacing in potential deals, veteran reporter Marc Stein wrote in The Stein Line.
Celtics Could Leverage Giannis Situation, Brown Watched by Rivals
Executives across the league are monitoring whether Milwaukee will entertain offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Should the Bucks open that door, sources believe Boston would pursue a blockbuster that lands the two-time MVP in green, sending Jaylen Brown either to Milwaukee or into a multi-team package.
Portland, Houston and Atlanta have previously been linked to Brown, but crafting an agreement remains difficult because of the All-Star wing’s sizable contract and salary-matching requirements.
Pelicans Receiving Strong Interest in Trey Murphy III
Trey Murphy III has emerged as one of the market’s hottest targets. According to Stein, the Pistons and Pacers are among the clubs that have checked on the 23-year-old forward. New Orleans is not actively shopping Murphy, yet—under a front office now run by Joe Dumars—the Pelicans are willing to listen for the first time.
Murphy’s reputation as a premier young two-way wing has made him attractive to teams aiming to accelerate their playoff timelines.
Mavericks Open to Talking About Thompson, Washington, Gafford
Dallas continues to indicate that Kyrie Irving is unavailable, but several other veterans may be movable. League observers tell Stein the Mavericks are more receptive to inquiries on Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.
Thompson, entering the final year of his contract, is viewed as the most logical trade piece because his expiring deal could create cap flexibility as Dallas restructures around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Washington and Gafford have also attracted interest, though there is no sign Dallas is actively pushing either player.
With free agency winding down, front offices are expected to keep exploring these scenarios as they shape their rosters for the 2024-25 campaign.
Source: Hoops Wire
