NBA Rumors: Anonymous NBA GM pegs Chicago Bulls as prospective suitors for Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown's recent noncommital comments regarding his future with the Boston Celtics have sparked NBA trade speculation, and executives and general managers are keeping an eye on his situation.
Brown will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024 and can decide to stay with Boston or be open to exploring other options for trade destinations.
With Jaylen Brown's situation being monitored, an Eastern Conference general manager said the Chicago Bulls could be a suitor for the two-time All-Star.
"The Bulls are really searching for answers, but they’re going to have to wait," the GM said in a Heavy Sports article by Sean Deveney. "They’re locked into the team they have, but they’re also being protective of that cap space going forward — they’ll have a lot in 2024.
"They will want to be in the mix on anyone they can get in free agency. Brown and (Zach) LaVine, that makes more sense than LaVine and (DeMar) DeRozan."
With Chicago having cap space to take advantage of 2024, and in the process of surrounding Zach LaVine with proper teammates, a Brown and LaVine dynamic could make an impact in the Eastern Conference.
The Chicago Bulls (34-38) are 10th in the Eastern Conference standings and are in the race for a postseason spot after losing in the first round of the playoffs last year.
Chicago Bulls could get boost with Jaylen Brown
If the Chicago Bulls somehow land Jaylen Brown next year, it could bolster their roster as Brown can provide a scoring punch with Zach LaVine that could rival other duos in the East.
Jaylen Brown would also give Chicago an edge with his playoff experience as Brown has been in the Eastern Conference finals three times, along with being in his first NBA Finals last year. In contrast, Chicago has made just two playoff appearances since 2015, the last time the Bulls won a playoff series.
The Boston Celtics lost in six games in last year's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Brown and the Celtics (50-23) have been on a mission this season with a focus on taking a shot at redemption from their disappointment last year.