The Portland Path Blazers stay serious about pursuing Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, however any potential package deal won’t embrace certainly one of their most vital younger items. In accordance with Brian Robb of MassLive, league sources say Portland has eliminated All-Star ahead Deni Avdija from the desk in Brown discussions.
The Blazers grew to become a staff to observe after lacking out on a commerce for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Portland reportedly had curiosity in buying the previous MVP, however Antetokounmpo’s lack of curiosity in committing long run to the franchise prompted the Blazers to drag again their provide. Brown presents a special state of affairs as a result of he stays below contract for 3 extra seasons, giving Portland a clearer long-term path if it decides to make a serious funding.
Portland completed the 2025-26 season 42-40 and reached the playoffs because the No. 8 seed within the Western Convention earlier than losing to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Including Brown would give the Blazers one other established perimeter scorer alongside a younger core that already consists of Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan and returning Damian Lillard.
Avdija was Portland’s main scorer final season, averaging 24.2 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 66 video games whereas capturing 46.2% from the sector. He additionally made 1.9 three-pointers per recreation on 31.8% capturing and earned All-Star recognition after turning into a main offensive creator for the Blazers.
Eradicating Avdija from commerce discussions adjustments the kind of package deal Portland can provide. The Celtics are expected to demand a significant return for Brown, who averaged 28.7 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists throughout the 2025-26 season whereas incomes All-NBA Second Workforce honors and ending sixth in MVP voting.
Portland might nonetheless construct a aggressive provide round wage matching and draft capital. Jerami Grant’s $34.2 million wage is a logical piece for matching functions, whereas guards Sharpe and Henderson may very well be seen as extra out there choices relying on Boston’s priorities.
The Celtics are additionally anticipated to ask about Toumani Camara, who averaged 13.4 factors, 5.1 rebounds and a pair of.5 assists whereas capturing 37.0% from three-point vary. Nevertheless, Portland has causes to carry onto a number of of its youthful gamers because it makes an attempt to stay aggressive within the West.
Clingan is one other participant Boston might goal, however his significance to Portland makes a deal tough. The 22-year-old heart began all 77 video games in 2025-26, averaging 12.1 factors, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks whereas capturing 52.0% from the sector. With Robert Williams probably coming into free company, shifting Clingan would create a serious frontcourt want.
Draft property might finally decide whether or not talks progress. Portland controls beneficial future first-round picks, together with Milwaukee’s 2028-2030 picks, and Boston might prioritize flexibility because it evaluates Brown’s future.
The Celtics stay able to reshape their roster after ending 56-26, the second-best document within the Japanese Convention, however losing in seven games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. A Brown commerce would signify a serious pivot, and Portland’s willingness to sacrifice draft capital might resolve whether or not discussions transfer ahead.
