The buzz comes as Boston continues a dramatic roster reshuffle, having already traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a span of 24 hours.

Brown’s future uncertain

While the Celtics’ preference is to keep both Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the front office is reportedly fielding aggressive offers for Brown, who is entering the second year of a five-year, $304 million supermax contract signed last summer.

ESPN’s Shams Charania emphasized that Boston is not actively shopping Brown but is listening to offers, especially as rival teams, particularly in the Eastern Conference, see an opportunity to pry away the four-time All-Star.

“The Celtics prefer not to trade Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, but listen: the offers that they're getting right now and the conversations are going to be had, 'Does it reach the value?' and that's the question,” Charania explained.

“There are multiple teams that have significant interest in Jaylen Brown... The contract is steep, I understand it, but listen, there are teams, especially in today's NBA, especially in the Eastern Conference,” Charania added.

Contract, cap, and the cost of contention

Brown’s massive contract—four years and approximately $236 million remaining—makes any potential deal complex, but it hasn’t deterred suitors. The Celtics’ recent moves have dropped them below the league’s punitive second tax apron, saving tens of millions in future tax penalties.

Trading Brown would further reduce Boston’s payroll, but it would also mean parting with the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and one of the league’s premier two-way wings.

Several analysts, including ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, caution that the Celtics are not eager to move Brown, especially as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. However, Boston’s willingness to listen signals a new reality: if a rival team presents an “insurmountable package,” the Celtics could consider a blockbuster deal.

What comes next?

With Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles and the Celtics already in flux, the front office faces a delicate balance between remaining competitive and managing long-term financial flexibility. As one of the NBA’s most coveted trade targets, Brown’s future will be closely watched as the offseason unfolds. For now, the Celtics are listening—but it will take a massive offer to convince them to move on from their star guard.