The Sacramento Kings are emerging as a surprise team to watch in the Jaylen Brown trade market, according to recent reporting from multiple NBA insiders.
Zach Lowe of The Ringer mentioned the Kings by name during his podcast on Saturday, suggesting there was “real smoke” around Brown trade conversations over the past week.
While Lowe clarified that he still expects Brown to remain in Boston, he added that a team like Sacramento could “offer you everything” in a bid to land the All-NBA wing.
Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, has reportedly set a high threshold for any deal involving Brown or fellow guard Derrick White
Shams Charania previosuly told SportsCenter that the Celtics are “receiving some massive offers,” but emphasized they are not eager to move either player unless an offer “blows them out of the water.”
Brown, 28, is entering the second year of his five-year, $285 million supermax contract. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during the 2024–25 regular season, followed by 22.1 points per game in the playoffs.
Sacramento finished 40–42 last season and was eliminated in the Play-In by Dallas. With pressure mounting to retool around Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, a major trade offer for a two-way star like Brown could be a swing for long-term relevance.
The Celtics, meanwhile, already traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis this offseason, shedding $180 million in future luxury tax obligations. That financial reset has not removed Brown or White from conversations entirely, though Charania noted that it’s “more unlikely than likely” a Brown deal materializes.
Still, rival executives continue to place calls, and the Kings are among the teams closely monitoring the situation.
With Jayson Tatum recovering from Achilles surgery and potentially out for the 2025–26 season, Boston’s timeline is complicated. The Celtics may be open to further restructuring, but only if the return includes substantial draft capital and young talent.
