Celtics' Jaylen Brown trade market takes surprising turn after latest NBA insider update

The Boston Celtics are now in scramble mode, trying to find a trade partner to take Jaylen Brown after they missed on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The problem is, while Boston GM Brad Stevens is asking for a fair deal for the Finals MVP, many teams aren’t biting, and are actually downplaying him. However, not all teams are like this, and there are one or two out there who have the assets to make a deal.

Brown’s being undervalued

Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after being folded by Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) in the second half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

It was revealed today that some analytics guys in the NBA are severely undervaluing Brown. According to NBA insider Bobby Marks, one guy told him that Brown would be viewed as the seventh-best player on their team.

This is obviously ridiculous, as even Brown’s biggest critics, such as Stephen A. Smith, are calling out this anonymous source. The issue is analytics are becoming a driving force in all major sports, even if they don’t show the whole picture. 

Some teams are still interested

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Even with this new bit of news, teams are still interested in the superstar. The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be a front-runner, as they were a contender to help in a three-team trade for Giannis. 

They could use four first-rounders they don’t even own, three Milwaukee picks and an Orlando pick, to fulfill Stevens’ requirement. On top of that, headlining the trade with a young center like Donovan Clingan could be very attractive to Boston, especially since he can somewhat shoot from deep.

What will likely happen

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One of two things will happen: someone will meet Boston’s demands for Brown, or they will have to sit him down and apologize for shopping him.

There’s not many trades out there that will make them better than they are currently, so just forcing one because you made your second franchise superstar miffed is just bad business. Hopefully, Boston gets the deal they want, or they are able to reconcile with their star.

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