Reports: Celtics have no interest in trading Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant
The Boston Celtics have made it known that they will not involve Jaylen Brown in any trade situations for Kevin Durant. Over the summer, the Celtics were one of the teams that showed interest in acquiring the 12-time All-Star.
Rumors surrounded the Brooklyn Nets after Durant requested a trade in late June. During that time, there were rumors that the Celtics were in talks about swapping Brown for KD. However, Boston didn't pursue the conversation any further, and the Nets star rescinded his trade request.
According to one anonymous Eastern Conference general manager in a report on Heavy.com, the chances of the Celtics trading their star wingman is highly unlikely.
"Oh, it would be zero interest from the Celtics, that would be a non-starter," the anonymous general manager said. "Brown’s an All-Star and he’s eight years younger than KD (who is 34). The team’s playing well, they’re not going to touch that.
"I am sure it will be talked about again, and maybe the Celtics will struggle and things can change. But that would be shocking."
Report: Celtics would have ‘zero interest’ in Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant swap ahnfiredigital.com/nba/celtics/re…
It seems like the Celtics (11-3), who made the NBA Finals last season, are at peace with what they currently have and are not looking forward to any major trades. The same couldn't be said about the Nets (6-9), who were swept by Boston in the first round last season. They're currently having a hard time with the internal issues that have gravely affected their play this season.
With Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have risen to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Even with an interim head coach, they don’t seem to have lost a beat. Boston is still a big threat among the teams out in the East. The All-Star forward has had a lot to do with their early-season success.
Also read: Jaylen Brown takes a shot at Nike for ending contract with Kyrie Irving: "Since when did Nike care about ethics"
Jaylen Brown is spearheading the request to bring Kyrie Irving back on the court
Jaylen Brown was once a teammate of Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving. Recently, there have been problems within the Nets organization that started with Irving. After Irving shared a link to a film containing antisemitism, Brooklyn eventually suspended the star. The seven-time All-Star was also given a list of tasks he needs to do to return to the court.
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
Brown, who serves as the vice president of the NBPA, has openly shared his opinion on the saga in Brooklyn. In an interview with the Boston Globe, the high-flying swingman spoke about his disagreement with the Nets' demands.
"I don’t believe Kyrie Irving is antisemitic. I don’t think people in our governing bodies think he’s antisemitic. He made a mistake," Brown said.
"But I’m expecting the NBPA to appeal the suspension from Brooklyn. The terms, etc., that went into his return. The terms for his return, they seem like a lot, and a lot of the players expressed discomfort with the terms."
Jaylen Brown: “I don't believe Kyrie Irving is antisemitic,”
“The terms for his return, they seem like a lot, and a lot of the players expressed discomfort with the terms. He made a mistake. He posted something. There was no distinction.”
(Via @GwashburnGlobe ) https://t.co/2imvs4Pyol
So far, there has been no development in Irving's return. As a leader for the NBPA, however, Jaylen Brown is hopeful the Nets and the NBA will allow the 2016 NBA champ back on the court.
Also read: Reports: NBPA might file grievance on Kyrie Irving's behalf if "various parties involved can’t reach a resolution on a return timetable"