Teams With Top Draft Picks Reportedly Gauging Whether Celtics Would Trade Jaylen Brown
By Parker White
The Boston Celtics have three first-round picks heading into Thursday's 2019 NBA Draft, none of which are in the lottery. They have the ability to move up in the draft, but to make a significant jump they'll need to include one of their young studs.
According to Adam Himmelsback of The Boston Globe, there are "some teams at the top of the draft" who are checking in with the Celtics about Jaylen Brown's availability.
Have heard from a few places today that some teams near the top of the draft are wondering about Jaylen Brown's availability.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 19, 2019
After missing out on Anthony Davis, and with Kyrie Irving and Al Horford likely on the way out, Brown instantly becomes one of Boston's top young assets along with Jayson Tatum.
Brown, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, could be used in a deal to net the Celtics a top pick, should they decide to part ways with him.
But it might not be in the C's best interest to let him go, considering the team could well be headed for a rebuild if they're unable to lure a top free agent this offseason. Should that be the route they take, Brown along with Jayson Tatum would effectively become the franchise cornerstones.
Could Jaylen Brown be involved in a draft night trade?
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) June 19, 2019
The Celtics guard is reportedly drawing interest from teams "near the top" of Thursday's draft:https://t.co/hlEb7AGVGs pic.twitter.com/aatyZ0h96F
With just a day until the 2019 NBA Draft, the Celtics have some big decisions to make -- including Brown's future with the team.
The 23-year-old didn't ascend this past season like the Celtics would've hoped, but in 74 games he still averaged 13.0 points on 46.5% shooting from the field with 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists.