NBA Rumors: Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Pelicans, Trey Murphy III, Mavericks

Celtics

As the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumor mill continues to churn, there remains growing curiosity around the league regarding what a potential Celtics-Bucks blockbuster might actually look like.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, rival executives continue to monitor whether a broader market could emerge for Celtics star Jaylen Brown if Milwaukee ultimately decides to move Antetokounmpo.

The idea, of course, would involve Boston acquiring Giannis and then either sending Brown directly to the Bucks or routing him elsewhere as part of a larger deal.

Several teams have previously been linked to Brown, including the Trail Blazers, Rockets and Hawks. But finding workable trade frameworks remains challenging given Brown’s massive contract and the salary-matching hurdles involved.

Pelicans

One of the hottest names on the trade market continues to be Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

Stein reported that interest in Murphy around the league remains “intense,” with the Pistons and Pacers among the teams known to have expressed interest.

While New Orleans has not actively shopped Murphy, Stein noted that this is the first time the Pelicans’ front office, now led by Joe Dumars, has shown a willingness to listen to offers.

Murphy is viewed by many executives as one of the league’s premier young two-way wings, making him an attractive target for teams looking to accelerate their playoff ambitions.

Mavericks

The Mavericks continue to signal that Kyrie Irving is not available, but several other veterans may be a different story.

According to Stein, league observers believe Dallas is more open to discussing Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford in potential trade scenarios.

Thompson stands out as perhaps the most logical trade candidate. The veteran guard is entering the final year of his contract, and Dallas may view his expiring deal as a useful asset as it continues building around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Washington and Gafford have also drawn interest around the league, though there has been no indication that the Mavericks are actively seeking to move either player.