Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) guards Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

'Not Sure Where All That Reporting Came From' – Boston Celtics Exec Shuts Down Trade Talks Involving Jaylen Brown and Derrick White

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 11:11 AM ET

Boston Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zarren recently debunked reports about the team listening to offers for Jaylen Brown or Derrick White. In an interview with The Athletic’s Jared Weiss, Zarren reiterated that they never wanted to trade them in the first place.

“Those two guys are really, really great players, and there hasn’t been anything close to seriously trading them. I’m not sure where all that reporting came from,” Zarren explained.

Instead of shopping Brown and White following the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics stocked up their draft capital by trading their 32nd pick to the Orlando Magic for the No. 46 and 57 picks of the 2025 NBA Draft and a 2027 second-round pick.

Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown Explains Unfortunate Stretch vs, New York Knicks 2 Oct 22, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) reacts after shooting for three points against the New York Knicks in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

“All the time we’re looking for the ability to get more assets in the future and still get a bunch of good players,” Zarren said. “We felt pretty confident that there’d be guys we liked lower in the draft, and we had the ability to add a couple of really good future draft picks in addition to getting those guys. So, that’s what we did.”

Boston Celtics might not be done making moves in the trade market

The Boston Celtics recently acquired Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang after parting ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Neither of them is technically a member of the team yet, and the front office has reportedly explored the idea of trading them already.

Boston Celtics: Brad Stevens Drops Truth Bomb on Losing to the New York Knicks in the 2025 Playoffs 3 Feb 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens on the court before the start of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics are eager to get below the luxury tax line entirely to avoid being in repeater taxpayer territory for future seasons. However, they must shed more salary.

Moreover, team president Brad Stevens recently indicated that Boston plan to re-sign soon-to-be-free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet this offseason.