Insider reveals how close Celtics got to trading Jaylen Brown

After the Boston Celtics made the decisions they did in the early stages of the offseason, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, some continue to question whether the team might move on from Jaylen Brown or Derrick White. 

Moving on from Brown would likely be a tougher decision, given he's a better player than White, despite what White does on the court on both sides of the basketball for the Celtics. 

However, Brown is an NBA Finals MVP and a perennial All-Star. 

Despite those rumors, Hoops Wire reported that a recent source told them the Celtics never came close to moving on from Brown. 

“The Boston Celtics traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks to get under the second apron. Several NBA teams tried to trade for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, but the Celtics ‘never came close’ to dealing either player, a source told Hoops Wire,” they wrote.

MORE: Kristaps Porzingis opens up after being traded from the Celtics

Now, if the Celtics were to get a trade they couldn't refuse, it’s possible to suggest that Brown could be dealt. 

Of course, it'd likely take a massive offer for Brad Stevens to even consider it, but the Celtics are entering a different situation after Jayson Tatum went down. 

If they could get four plus first-round picks and a good young player in return, it might not be the worst idea to cut ties with the fan favorite.

Ultimately, whatever decision Stevens makes will likely be the right one. 

He's done nothing but prove why he's arguably the best executive in the league over the past few years and should continue to do so.