Stevens says Brown still central to Celtics amid trade speculation

Brad Stevens said Jaylen Brown remains highly valued by the Boston Celtics and is still viewed as an important part of the organization. His comments came after reported trade discussions placed Brown’s name in the center of offseason uncertainty.

According to the source report, ESPN’s Shams Charania said Boston had offered Brown and two first-round picks to Milwaukee in a proposed package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that deal did not happen. Milwaukee instead agreed to send Antetokounmpo to Miami in a separate transaction, while Boston was also reported to be open to hearing other offers for Brown.

Stevens addressed reporters after the Celtics selected Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. in the first round of the NBA draft. He did not directly confirm the reported proposal, but said he has had multiple offseason conversations with Brown and has also stayed in touch with Brown’s agent.

Brown’s status is complicated by both his production and Boston’s disappointing postseason. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, finished sixth in MVP voting and made the All-NBA second team, but the Celtics exited in the first round against Philadelphia. With three years left on his current extension and another extension window approaching, Boston’s next move around Brown remains one of the franchise’s defining offseason questions.