Celtics' reported Jaylen Brown asking price won't scare away teams pursuing the All-Star

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After missing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Boston Celtics are fervently searching for a suitor to trade their superstar Jaylen Brown to. While it would also make sense to keep him, Brown has been rumored to be ready to lead his own team, so he might want out anyway.

However, there has been a new update to this potential blockbuster, and that’s his asking price. According to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, Boston GM Brad Stevens wants up to four first round picks for Brown.

Justification for the asking price

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

Four first rounders seems like a steep price, as Giannis only went for three first rounders, and Luka Doncic only went for one last year.

However, let’s look at the facts: Brown is coming off a career-best season, where he carried a predicted play-in/missing the playoffs team to the second seed. He also was an ECF MVP and Finals MVP just two years ago.

He’s younger than Giannis by two years, so he’ll be in his prime longer as well. In reality, it makes sense for the asking price, especially when a guy like Mikal Bridges went for five.

This won’t deter suitors

Even though it’s daunting, it probably won’t deter suitors. They could negotiate, add players instead of picks, and offer more, less valuable picks as well.

Proof of this is the recent Minnesota Timberwolves trade for LaMelo Ball. He was traded to Minnesota for Naz Reid, four first rounders, three of which are swaps, and three second rounders.

According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Boston and Minnesota were in talks for Brown, and Boston wanted a similar package as Charlotte’s, i.e. four first rounders, plus Reid and Rudy Gobert. The only reasons they didn’t go with it were Brown’s contract, and he wouldn’t fit as well as Ball next to Anthony Edwards.

The offseason is just beginning

It’s still only June, so the offseason still has quite a bit of time left. The Celtics have plenty of time to find a suitor, and if they can’t, plenty of time to convince Brown they are sorry, and try to keep him in Boston.

Either way, only time will tell how this goes for Boston, and hopefully, it goes well.

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