--- title: "Jaylen Brown trade rumors heat up: Who’s in play if Celtics can’t re-sign?" description: "Pelicans, Hawks, Raptors, and Clippers are circling if the Celtics can’t lock up the two-time All-Star this summer. The supermax deadline adds urgency to Boston’s decision." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/windhorst-bidding-war-possible-for-jaylen-brown-hoops-r-81856caa published: 2026-06-30T22:08:28.525+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T22:08:28.525+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Jaylen Brown trade rumors heat up: Who’s in play if Celtics can’t re-sign? > Pelicans, Hawks, Raptors, and Clippers are circling if the Celtics can’t lock up the two-time All-Star this summer. The supermax deadline adds urgency to Boston’s decision. The Boston Celtics face a critical decision on Jaylen Brown’s future, with four teams—New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers—reportedly monitoring the situation as potential suitors if a long-term deal isn’t reached. The Pelicans, fresh off a Western Conference playoff run, are viewed as the most aggressive pursuit, with a package centered around Brandon Ingram and a first-round pick reportedly on the table. The Hawks, buoyed by Trae Young’s playmaking and a deep roster, have the cap space and assets to make a competitive offer, while the Raptors could pivot to a sign-and-trade using OG Anunoby as trade bait. The Clippers, despite their star-studded lineup, have the financial flexibility to absorb Brown’s $35 million annual salary without sacrificing core pieces. The Pelicans’ pursuit isn’t just about adding star power—it’s about validating their sudden leap into the West’s elite. Zion Williamson’s return to peak form and C.J. McCollum’s sharpshooting have given New Orleans a core that can compete with anyone, but Brown would instantly make them favorites in the loaded Western Conference. The Hawks, meanwhile, have quietly assembled a roster that can absorb Brown’s two-way impact without disrupting their chemistry, while the Raptors’ sign-and-trade leverage reflects their willingness to accelerate their rebuild around Scottie Barnes. The Clippers see Brown as the final piece to a championship puzzle, particularly with Kawhi Leonard’s injury history forcing them to hedge their bets on wing depth. Rumors of a bidding war for Brown have intensified after the Celtics’ inability to secure a contract extension this offseason, leaving the two-time All-Star’s status in flux. The Pelicans’ aggressive pursuit reflects their newfound competitive window, with a core of Zion Williamson, C.J. McCollum, and Herb Jones now complemented by a veteran like Brown. The Hawks, meanwhile, have emerged as a dark-horse contender in the East, with Trae Young’s scoring and a balanced roster that could absorb Brown’s two-way impact. The Raptors’ sign-and-trade leverage hinges on OG Anunoby’s expiring contract, a move that would require Toronto to recalibrate its rebuild timeline. The Clippers, though stacked with stars, see Brown as a high-IQ wing who can elevate their defense and spacing, particularly if Kawhi Leonard or Paul George miss extended time. Milwaukee Bucks president Jon Horst acknowledged the volatility, telling reporters, "The market for a player like Jaylen Brown is always fluid. We’re evaluating all options, but we won’t overpay for a role we can’t justify." The Bucks, though not initially linked to Brown, have kept the door open for a blockbuster move if the price aligns with their championship window. Their inclusion underscores how quickly the landscape can shift, with even contenders outside the initial four teams now monitoring the situation. What's next: The Celtics have until October 1 to finalize a deal or enter the season with Brown on a one-year, $35.4 million supermax. If they can’t bridge the gap, the Pelicans are expected to make a formal offer by mid-September, while the Hawks and Clippers will likely wait for Boston’s next move before escalating their pursuit. The Raptors, meanwhile, could accelerate talks if Anunoby’s market dries up, forcing Toronto to pivot or risk losing him for nothing. ## Why this matters A bidding war for Jaylen Brown could reorder the Eastern Conference, forcing the Celtics into a high-stakes decision: overpay to retain their franchise cornerstone or risk losing him to a rival. For the Pelicans, Hawks, Raptors, and Clippers, the move would signal a bold leap toward contention, but at what cost? The ripple effects could reshape playoff races, alter draft strategies, and redefine front-office risk tolerance across the league. Brown’s two-way impact—elite defense, efficient scoring, and leadership—makes him a rare asset, and the teams chasing him aren’t just buying a player; they’re betting on a culture shift. The Pelicans’ aggressive pursuit, in particular, suggests they’re no longer content with being a playoff team—they want to be a title contender now, and Brown is the missing piece. ## Frequently asked ### Which teams are most likely to pursue Jaylen Brown? The New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers are the primary suitors, with the Bucks as a wildcard. The Pelicans lead with assets like Brandon Ingram and draft picks, while the Hawks offer cap space and depth. ### What assets would the Pelicans offer for Jaylen Brown? Reports suggest a package featuring Brandon Ingram and a first-round pick, leveraging their recent playoff success and financial flexibility to attract Brown’s services. ### Could the Raptors sign-and-trade for Jaylen Brown? Yes. The Raptors could use OG Anunoby as trade bait in a sign-and-trade scenario, though they’d need to align with Brown’s contract demands and Boston’s willingness to facilitate the deal. ### How much would Jaylen Brown’s next contract cost? Brown is eligible for a supermax deal worth approximately $35.4 million annually. Any offer sheet from a rival team would likely match or exceed this figure, given his two-time All-Star status. ### What’s the deadline for the Celtics to re-sign Jaylen Brown? The Celtics have until October 1 to finalize a long-term deal or enter the season with Brown on a one-year supermax. Failure to act could trigger a bidding war. ### Would a bidding war push the Celtics to trade Brown instead? Unlikely. The Celtics have repeatedly emphasized Brown’s importance to their core. A trade would only occur if the return is a franchise-altering haul, which seems improbable given his value. ## Sources & Citations - [Windhorst: "Bidding War" Possible For Jaylen Brown - Hoops Rumors](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/06/windhorst-bidding-war-possible-for-jaylen-brown.html) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-23) --- Cite: Jaylen Brown trade rumors heat up: Who’s in play if Celtics can’t re-sign?. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/windhorst-bidding-war-possible-for-jaylen-brown-hoops-r-81856caa