Celtics linked to trade for $16 million ex-Warriors three-time NBA champion

Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics’ willingness to offer the Milwaukee Bucks Jaylen Brown in favor of Giannis Antetokounmpo could be a sign of what’s to come for the franchise. 

Obviously, the Celtics failed to convince Milwaukee to send their 10-time All-Star to Boston for Brown, as the Bucks felt more comfortable completing an awe-inspiring offseason deal with the Miami Heat. However, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Celtics finding another trade suitor for their 29-year-old star before the start of the 2026-27 season. 

CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney thinks the Celtics shouldn’t be opposed to swapping Brown for an ex-Golden State Warriors three-time NBA champion 

“New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Kevon Looney, and some combination of pick(s) and swaps to the Celtics for Brown,” Maloney wrote Tuesday.

Murphy unquestionably headlines Maloney’s hypothetical Celtics-Pelicans trade pitch, as he’s a standout two-way forward who’s recently garnered trade interest from large market Western Conference franchises such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.

However, the Celtics could use frontcourt reinforcements, and Looney wouldn’t be the worst possible option to bring on board. Although the UCLA product hasn’t proven to be a highly skilled low-post contributor in the big leagues, he’s made a name for himself as an elite glue guy capable of performing his role perfectly on a Warriors squad built to win multiple championships. 

Looney won three titles with the Stephen Curry-led Dubs to begin his NBA career, solidifying himself as a valuable role player in a near-perfect situation in Golden State. 

Looney, who’s averaging 4.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for his career, could be an underrated addition to Boston in a potential trade involving Brown.

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