According to Jake Fischer, the New Orleans Pelicans are among the teams with interest in acquiring Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. On a recent edition of his stream on Bleacher Report, "NBA Insider Notebook with Jake Fischer," he conveyed the following.
"The Pelicans have been mentioned by various league executives as a team with Jaylen Brown interest."
Bill Simmons also recently linked the two sides, stating on his podcast, "Trey Murphy [III], we assume he's probably going to get traded over these next three weeks. I think Boston is a possibility."
Whether these two franchises can come to terms on a summer blockbuster that sends the former Finals MVP to the Crescent City hinges on two critical questions.
Exploring a potential Jaylen Brown trade to the Pelicans
The first question that could derail this possibility before it ever gains momentum is whether the Celtics are committed to moving forward with Jaylen Brown. If they have no intention of breaking up the team's two cornerstones, him and Jayson Tatum, then New Orleans will have to figure out another way to fortify its roster.
There's also the possibility that if Boston is parting with a two-time All-NBA Second Team selection, it is for a star such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, not a player like Murphy, or a risk like Zion Williamson, even with whatever draft capital comes with them.
However, let's say that for the right price, the Pelicans could pry Brown from the Celtics. Would they offer Williamson and Murphy? It's a deal that likely includes a first-round pick going to Boston. It's a proposal that works financially, and the latter could include more salary to help absorb the money it's taking off New Orleans' books.
While it seems like the franchise residing in the Big Easy prefers not to trade Williamson, perhaps this offer would change their minds. If so, the Celtics could land a former first overall draft pick who would significantly address their desire to put more pressure on the rim. And they'd acquire a young wing with All-Star potential as he's about to enter his prime. That's a proposal they'd have to entertain, especially if it includes first-round draft capital.
Maybe Boston would be better off keeping Brown or going through with a trade for Antetokounmpo, but this alternative would require legitimate consideration.
Another question is whether either party prefers a deal that does not include Williamson and Murphy joining the Celtics. Again, the Pelicans seem to want to keep the former Duke star. And Boston may prefer a version of this where the organization acquires Murphy and loads up on draft capital. While their trade partners don't have a first-round selection this year, New Orleans does from 2027 into the foreseeable future.
Joe Dumars, the Pelicans' executive vice president of basketball operations, offered an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to move 10 spots in the 2025 NBA Draft to get Derik Queen. Imagine what Brad Stevens could potentially pluck from him if New Orleans is motivated to acquire Brown?
Still, an exchange like that could require Boston to absorb Dejounte Murray or Jordan Poole's contract. Either one would be difficult to offload on another team. Doing so could cost the Celtics one of the Pelicans' first-round picks, which is what makes this version of the deal intriguing.
Murray, who returned from a torn Achilles this season, is on the books for $32.8 million next year. He has a player option worth $30.8 million for 2027-28. Poole is on a $34 million deal that expires after the 2026-27 campaign. Neither contract is a positive asset, which adds to the leverage Boston would have in trading Brown to New Orleans.
The Celtics might have a desire to land Murphy, and Williamson is an intriguing potential acquisition. However, moving forward with Brown in Boston seems like the most likely scenario.
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