The Boston Celtics have been one of the teams most recently connected to the Philadelphia 76ers as a possible trade destination for NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. The two sides were reportedly engaged in trade talks, with Jaylen Brown being included as the centerpiece of the deal heading back to Philadelphia.
It was a rumor that shocked a lot of people, as Brown is considered a cornerstone player for the Celtics along with Jayson Tatum. With a record of 6-7, the Celtics have had a rocky start to the 2021-22 season, so some changes could be in store. But, it does not sound like Brown will be a part of those changes, especially if they come via trade.
According to MassLive.com, Boston has no interest in moving on from the 25-year old Brown, who made his first career All-Star game last season. Part of the reason they do not want to move on from him is that he is under team control for two more seasons on a contract that is below market value.
Brown signed a four-year worth just over $104 million on October 21st, 2019 as his rookie extension. Had that contract been negotiated today, there is no doubt he would have received a max extension.
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Brad Stevens, who was head coach of the Celtics for the first five seasons of Brown’s career and is now the team’s general manager, recently spoke to his budding star to assure him that he would be going nowhere.
“I just walked up to Jaylen and said, ‘your name is all over the place as you know. Obviously, from our standpoint, you’re a Celtic and obviously a guy that we think exceptionally high of. Nothing doing,’” Stevens said of his conversation with Brown on the speculation. “I just wanted to make sure that he has that peace of mind.”
Jaylen Brown has taken another step in his development this season, averaging 25.6 points per game, which would be a career-high. He is adding 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game as well.
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The Cal product is a highly-regarded defender, matching up with the opposing team’s best wing player on a nightly basis. He would fit the bill of what Daryl Morey and the 76ers are looking for in return for Simmons, but it does not sound like the Boston Celtics have any interest in discussing a deal that includes him.
