There's a front-runner to trade for Celtics' Jaylen Brown

For years, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has been the odd man out in trade rumors.

Fans and analysts have inquired — and at times urged — about the possibility of breaking up his duo with Jayson Tatum. And while they seemingly silenced the doubters by winning an NBA championship together, it now seems that's finally about to happen.

According to The Athletic insider Sam Amick, the Celtics are open to trading Brown for the right price, and the Portland Trail Blazers are willing to give them four first-round picks for his services.

The Blazers are leading the race for Jaylen Brown

"...With the Nuggets’ reported interest in Brown unrealistic because of what they’re able and willing to offer," wrote Amick."(The Celtics, per league sources, have been asking for up to four first-round picks; Portland is seen as the front-runner there.)"

The Blazers already have an up-and-coming team, and joining forces with Deni Avdija would certainly give Brown another shot at a championship, though he wouldn't have "his own team." Also, with Tiago Splitter leaving for the Chicago Bulls, Brown might be better off staying in the Eastern Conference.

Nevertheless, now that the cat is out of the bag and he knows the Celtics nearly traded him for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the relationship might've taken a hit. Brown reportedly hasn't asked for a trade, but this is a business first and foremost, and players are often seen as assets. 

He's been pushing back at the narrative that he's not a superstar or a 1A guy on a championship team. With a trade looming, he should have plenty of opportunities to prove the doubters wrong.