Pelicans Reportedly Eye Trade for Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown
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The New Orleans Pelicans are weighing a bold offseason move that would bring Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown to Louisiana, according to a report from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer.
Fischer’s reporting indicates New Orleans has “interest” in pursuing the five-time All-Star following Boston’s unexpected first-round playoff exit. While Boston’s stance on moving Brown is not known, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Bally Sports noted that any Pelicans proposal could revolve around Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and a sizeable bundle of draft picks.
Brown’s Contract and Recent Performance
Brown, 29, is about to enter the third season of the five-year, $285 million extension he signed in 2023. Beginning in July, he becomes eligible to tack on a two-year deal worth roughly $142 million.
The 2024 Finals MVP posted 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game during the regular season. He added 25.7 points per contest in the Celtics’ first-round defeat to Philadelphia, a series in which Boston let a 3-1 lead slip away.
Why New Orleans Is Interested
New Orleans finished last season 26-56 and recently hired former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley to steer the franchise forward. Team officials believe acquiring a top-tier two-way player such as Brown could accelerate the Pelicans’ timeline.
Other Teams Monitoring the Situation
The Pelicans are not alone in keeping tabs on Brown’s status. The Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers have also been mentioned in recent rumor cycles as potential suitors should Boston open trade talks.
No reliable reports have suggested that Brown is actively seeking a change of scenery, but league executives continue to track the situation in case the Celtics entertain offers.
Source: Hoops Wire
