Report: Pelicans interested in trade for Celtics’ Jaylen Brown

The Pelicans appear to be searching for a major offseason splash.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, New Orleans has interest in Celtics star Jaylen Brown as trade speculation continues to swirl around Boston following its surprising first-round playoff exit.

Whether the Celtics have any desire to move Brown remains unclear. But if New Orleans decides to aggressively pursue the five-time All-Star, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reports that a potential package could center on Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and significant draft compensation.

Brown, 29, remains one of the NBA’s premier two-way wings and is coming off another outstanding season.

The 2024 Finals MVP averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while helping lead Boston back into championship contention. He also averaged 25.7 points in the Celtics’ first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia, a series in which Boston squandered a 3-1 lead.

Brown is entering the third season of the five-year, $285 million extension he signed in 2023. He is also eligible for a two-year extension worth roughly $142 million beginning in July.

While speculation has persisted in some circles that Brown may eventually want his own team, there has been no credible reporting suggesting he is seeking a trade or looking to leave Boston.

Still, rival teams appear to be monitoring the situation.

The Pelicans are coming off a disappointing 26-56 season and recently hired former Magic coach Jamahl Mosley to lead the franchise. New Orleans has talent in place, but adding a player of Brown’s caliber would dramatically accelerate the team’s timeline.

The Pelicans aren’t the only club linked to Brown in recent rumor cycles. The Hawks, Rockets and Trail Blazers have also surfaced as potential teams to watch.