Celtics trade discussions for Jaylen Brown follow failed pursuit of Antetokounmpo

Boston attempted to acquire Antetokounmpo, but the Miami Heat secured the player instead. League sources indicate that Jaylen Brown’s name surfaced in trade talks during the recruitment process, creating a situation where Boston nearly committed to moving the All-NBA player. Philadelphia evaluated its potential to acquire Brown but considered itself a long shot to secure the deal. Internal expectations suggested that Boston preferred to avoid trading a high-caliber player to a division rival. The pursuit of Antetokounmpo by Boston shifted the NBA trade for Philadelphia as the organization weighed its options. These developments forced the Celtics to navigate the public exposure of trade discussions involving Brown.

• 1:31 PMYahoo Sports — When Boston lost the race for Antetokounmpo to the …