The Celtics have had a mostly uneven season and it could lead to a trade request from Jaylen Brown this offseason if they don’t pull it together, according to Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com.
Bulpett, by the way, is a longtime Celtics beat reporter, formerly of the Boston Herald. He is dialed in to the team.
“Multiple sources have told Heavy.com that, absent the team getting its act together and playing more to its potential, Brown could be the one to acknowledge that the mix isn’t right and seek a move,” Bulpett wrote.
Boston is in its first year with former coach Brad Stevens running basketball operations and first year with Ime Udoka as coach. Udoka is in his first season as a coach at any level, in fact, and the Celtics have failed to live up to expectations.
To be clear:
1. Jaylen Brown has NOT asked for a trade.
2. Celtic source: "I think every one of the players has expressed frustration at some point this season."
(As a favor, I'd politely ask all to read the full story before reacting.) https://t.co/LiWePWUIqY
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) February 1, 2022
Bulpett wrote that the Celtics have been very active ahead of next week’s trade deadline. As we relayed right here, point guard Dennis Schroder appears to be their top trade candidate. (The Bulls are considered a potential suitor.) The Celtics are also said to be open to moving everyone outside of Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Early in the season, Stevens was adamant that the Celtics weren’t looking to trade Brown.
“But even just the possibility that a player of Brown’s abilities may find his way to the market has raised the eyebrows of a number of general managers around the NBA,” Bulpett wrote. “Due diligence is getting done.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
Translation: Boston wants to and will rade Jaylen Brown, but for image and perhaps negotiation reasons, prefer he request a trade or make it look like they had no choice but to make a deal.