Celtics Could Move $300M Star Next as Trade Talks Pick Up

The Boston Celtics are under new financial pressure—and no name is too big to be floated.

After offloading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis in back-to-back deals to avoid the second apron, Boston is now listening to offers on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, per Shams Charania.

“The Celtics prefer not to trade Jaylen Brown and Derrick White,” Charania said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “But… the offers that they’re getting right now… the conversations are going to be had.”

Celtics Still Active After Holiday, Porziņģis Deals

Boston’s first two moves this offseason weren’t minor. They saved major money by trading Holiday to Portland and Porziņģis to Atlanta, with the latter shedding a $30.7 million expiring contract. According to Bobby Marks, the Celtics have now saved roughly $180 million in tax penalties by ducking below the second apron.

But those deals may have just opened the door to bigger questions—especially around what’s next for Brown.

Brown, 28, signed a five-year, $304 million supermax extension last July after winning Finals MVP and helping deliver Boston’s first title since 2008. He’s a four-time All-Star and one of the most productive wings in the league.

White, 31, signed a four-year, $118 million extension and averaged a career-best 16.4 points per game this past season while emerging as one of Boston’s most reliable players on both ends.

Jaylen Brown Drawing ‘Significant’ Interest

Charania added on SportsCenter that “multiple teams” are showing significant interest in trading for Brown—even with his massive contract attached.

“There are multiple teams that have significant interest in Jaylen Brown,” Charania said. “The contract is steep… but there are teams, especially in today’s NBA, especially in the Eastern Conference.”

There’s no indication that Boston is eager to move him. But they’re not hanging up the phone, either.

Celtics in a State of Transition

This is a team with an uncertain timeline. Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most—if not all—of the 2025–26 season recovering from a torn Achilles.

Porziņģis and Holiday are gone. The luxury tax situation has improved. But with big salaries still on the books and contenders circling, Boston’s roster could keep evolving.

The Celtics aren’t tearing it down. But they are taking calls—and everything, including Brown and White, might be on the table.